Paraguay's President Santiago Peña arrived in Taiwan on Thursday for his first visit to the self-ruled island, which Beijing claims as its own territory. The trip comes as China intensifies its efforts to lure away Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies.
Paraguay's Strategic Position
Paraguay is the last country in South America and one of only 12 worldwide to maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Despite maintaining a solid trade relationship with China, Paraguay has reaffirmed its commitment to Taipei as its diplomatic partner.
Peña is leading a business delegation from sectors such as agriculture and finance to Taiwan from Thursday until Sunday, according to Taiwan's Foreign Ministry. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te is set to welcome Peña with military honors on Friday.
China's Growing Pressure
The visit occurs as Beijing has been increasing pressure on the island democracy, including sending warplanes and navy vessels toward the island on a near-daily basis. Taiwan has sought to assert its presence internationally in response.
Last week, Lai visited the southern African nation of Eswatini, Taipei's last remaining diplomatic partner in Africa. The trip was postponed after several countries withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories, reportedly due to Chinese pressure.
China did not confirm nor deny the allegations but instead expressed 'high appreciation' for the countries' adherence to the so-called 'one China principle,' which refers to Beijing's claims over Taiwan.
China and Taiwan have been governed separately since 1949, when the Communist Party rose to power in Beijing following a civil war. Defeated Nationalist Party forces fled to Taiwan, which later transitioned from martial law to multiparty democracy.
