Paraguay Expels Chinese Diplomat Over Alleged Interference in Taiwan Relations

Paraguay Expels Chinese Diplomat Over Alleged Interference in Taiwan Relations

Asunción– Paraguay has canceled the visa of a low-ranking Chinese diplomat and ordered him to leave the country after allegations that he attempted to influence lawmakers to reconsider their friendly relations with Taiwan. The Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement on Thursday, accusing the diplomat, Shu Wei, of meddling in the internal affairs of the country.

According to the Ministry, Shu Wei, who was attending a UNESCO meeting in Paraguay, violated the terms of his visa. Additionally, Taiwan's embassy in Asunción accused Shu of attempting to undermine Taiwan's diplomatic relations in Paraguay by infiltrating the country. The Ministry did not provide further details on Shu's alleged interference, but confirmed that he was given 24 hours to leave the country.

Juan Baierdi, Paraguay's Deputy Minister for Administrative and Technical Affairs, stated, "The Chinese diplomat had come with a different agenda. He was involved in internal politics that was inappropriate."

A recorded statement from Shu Wei in Paraguay’s Congress was shared with Reuters. In the recording, Shu called for Paraguay to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, claiming that such a move would increase the country’s revenue, reduce expenses, and ultimately boost savings. He added that his visit aimed to "fill a significant gap on the map" of Paraguay—referring to the People's Republic of China.

Shu also emphasized that there was no room for choosing between China and Taiwan, implying that diplomatic relations with China should take precedence.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet commented on the matter.

Paraguay has long been a key diplomatic ally of Taiwan, and the country is the only one in South America that maintains formal relations with the island nation. As a result, Paraguay often faces challenges in its trade relations with China, particularly in exporting agricultural goods.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory, despite the island being governed democratically. Taiwan's government, in turn, rejects China's sovereignty claims, asserting that only its people have the right to determine the country's future.

Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, who is currently visiting another diplomatic ally, Palau, praised Paraguay for its steadfast commitment to democracy. He also reiterated that China's threats and temptations were not new and could not sway Paraguay’s position.