Paraguay has expelled Chinese diplomat Xu Wei after he pressured lawmakers to shift diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to China. The expulsion highlights growing tensions as China expands its influence in Latin America, with Paraguay maintaining one of the last remaining ties to Taiwan. Xu’s actions raised concerns regarding interference in domestic politics, prompting a swift response from Paraguayan authorities.
Paraguay has expelled Xu Wei, a Chinese diplomat, following his controversial remarks urging lawmakers to choose diplomatic relations with China over Taiwan. The Paraguayan Foreign Ministry deemed his actions an infringement into domestic politics, resulting in the cancellation of his visa and a directive for him to leave the country within 24 hours. Xu, who was visiting under the pretense of attending a UNESCO conference, allegedly sought to influence congressional decisions away from Taiwan, exhibiting the growing tension in Paraguay’s diplomatic stance amid China’s expanding influence in Latin America.
In recent years, China has been actively strengthening its presence in Latin America, prompting several governments to sever ties with Taiwan in favor of establishing direct relations with Beijing. Paraguay, which remains one of the few countries worldwide—and the only one in South America—to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, has found itself at a crossroads as it faces mounting pressure from China. The expulsion of Xu Wei illustrates the delicate balance Paraguay seeks to maintain in its foreign affairs given the geopolitical landscape.
The incident underscores Paraguay’s commitment to preserving its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan in the face of Chinese attempts to consolidate influence in the region. The expulsion of the Chinese envoy, who attempted to sway local lawmakers, emphasizes the increasing tensions surrounding Taiwan’s international recognition. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, Paraguay remains a critical player in the broader context of Sino-Taiwanese relations in Latin America.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
