Paraguay expelled Chinese diplomat Xu Wei for urging lawmakers to cut ties with Taiwan and recognize mainland China, claiming it would provide benefits to the nation. The Paraguayan government classified him as persona non grata, while China denied any wrongdoing on Xu’s part, asserting the allegations were baseless. This incident illustrates ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan’s international status.
Paraguay has taken diplomatic action by expelling Xu Wei, a senior Chinese diplomat, following his alleged attempts to influence the country’s political landscape. During a UNESCO meeting in Asuncion, Mr. Xu met with Paraguayan lawmakers and reportedly advocated for the severance of ties with Taiwan, proposing that officially recognizing mainland China would yield numerous benefits for Paraguay. In response to these actions, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry declared him persona non grata, mandating his departure within 24 hours.
Following these developments, the Chinese Foreign Ministry disputed Paraguay’s assertions, claiming that Mr. Xu’s activities did not constitute interference in domestic affairs. The ministry labeled the allegations as “unreasonable and groundless.” This incident highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions surrounding Taiwan’s international recognition, particularly in the context of China’s increasing efforts to isolate Taiwan on the world stage.
The relationship between Paraguay and Taiwan is a significant aspect of its foreign policy, particularly given Taiwan’s limited recognition by other nations due to China’s assertive stance. In recent years, China has made concerted efforts to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, successfully persuading several countries in Latin America, including Honduras, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, to renounce their diplomatic ties with Taipei in favor of direct relations with Beijing. These dynamics underscore the complexities and challenges faced by nations navigating their international allegiances amidst pressures from larger powers like China.
The expulsion of Xu Wei underscores Paraguay’s commitment to maintaining its diplomatic ties with Taiwan amidst external pressures from China. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance nations must strike in their foreign relations, particularly in regions where China’s influence is on the rise. Paraguay’s response reflects its determination to uphold its sovereignty and diplomatic choices in an increasingly polarized geopolitical environment.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
