Paraguay has expelled Chinese envoy Xu Wei for advocating the severance of ties with Taiwan, asserting interference in domestic affairs. The nation, among the few remaining that officially recognizes Taiwan, remains under pressure from Beijing, which is seeking to expand its diplomatic influence in Latin America. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between China’s growing regional presence and Paraguay’s commitment to Taiwan.

Paraguay has expelled a Chinese diplomat, Xu Wei, for allegedly meddling in its internal affairs and advocating for the country to sever its longstanding diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal statement declaring Xu a persona non grata, granting him 24 hours to exit the nation. This diplomatic fallout follows Xu’s unexpected appearance at a Congressional session where he urged Paraguayan lawmakers to reconsider their relationship with Taiwan, affirming Beijing’s interest in establishing relations.

Paraguay maintains its recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign entity, making it unique among South American nations; it is one of only 12 countries worldwide that uphold such recognition. In recent years, several nations in Latin America have shifted their allegiances from Taiwan to China, following the one-China policy that necessitates countries to choose between formal diplomatic relations with either Beijing or Taipei. Paraguay’s steadfast allegiance to Taiwan is notable particularly as China’s influence in the region continues to grow.

The expulsion of Xu Wei underscores Paraguay’s firm stance in favor of its relationship with Taiwan amidst increasing pressure from China. The incident reflects broader geopolitical tensions and the ongoing diplomatic struggle for influence in Latin America. As relations between Paraguay and China remain strained, it is evident that the Latin American nation’s commitment to Taiwan continues to be a significant factor in its foreign policy decisions.

Original Source: apnews.com

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