Paraguay's President Santiago Peña on Friday reaffirmed his country's deep commitment to its relationship with Taiwan, demonstrating solidarity with the island democracy a day after Beijing urged the South American nation to sever diplomatic ties with Taipei.
Background of Diplomatic Relations
Paraguay stands as the only country in South America and one of just twelve worldwide that officially recognizes Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan an integral part of its territory and has intensified efforts in recent years to lure away Taiwan's remaining diplomatic allies, while simultaneously increasing military pressure around the island.
Peña's Statement at Military Honors Event
Speaking at a military honors ceremony, Peña declared that the event symbolizes the unwavering determination of both sides to continuously deepen their ties and partnership, according to an interpreter. He emphasized that based on shared values such as democracy, freedom, and human rights, Paraguay will continue to support Taiwan and promote their bilateral strategic partnership. "Paraguay highly values the relationship," the interpreter quoted him as saying outside Taiwan's presidential office.
Taiwan's Response
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te expressed gratitude to Peña and Paraguay's government for speaking out in support of Taiwan and firmly backing Taiwan's international participation. "I believe the friendship between Taiwan and Paraguay will further deepen and their cooperation will become closer through the visit of President Peña," Lai stated.
China's Call for Severance
The reaffirmation of ties came after Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Thursday urged Paraguayan authorities to "come to the right side of the history as soon as possible" and break diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Lin asserted that the one-China principle is a basic norm in international relations and that 183 countries have established diplomatic ties with China.
Peña's Call for International Recognition
During their bilateral meeting at the presidential office on Friday, Peña solemnly called on the international community to recognize that the people of Taiwan should have the right to make their own decisions based on the principles of democracy and fairness. "I want to stress that excluding Taiwan from the important United Nations system is not only unfair, but also undermines the legitimacy of the United Nations as the most representative organization of democratic countries in the world," he emphasized.
Bilateral Agreements Signed
Lai and Peña presided over the signing of several bilateral agreements, including a memorandum of understanding regarding investment in an artificial intelligence computing center.
Discussion with Honduran President
In an interview with Taiwan's Central News Agency, Peña revealed that he met with Honduran President Nasry Asfura on the sidelines of an event before arriving on Thursday for his four-day trip. While Peña stated they did not directly discuss whether Honduras would reestablish ties with Taiwan, he informed Asfura that his nation enjoys a great relationship with Taiwan. Honduras established diplomatic relations with China in 2023 after severing ties with Taiwan.
Honduras' Potential Shift
Asfura, who was elected president with the backing of U.S. President Donald Trump, has ordered a review of agreements between Tegucigalpa and Beijing. This has fueled expectations that Honduras may distance itself from China, aligning with the Trump administration's campaign to reduce Chinese influence and economic clout in Latin America.
Taiwan's Diplomatic Challenges
Last week, Lai visited Eswatini, Taipei's last remaining diplomatic partner in Africa, after being forced to postpone the trip when several countries withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories, reportedly due to Chinese pressure. China neither confirmed nor denied the allegations but instead expressed "high appreciation" for the countries' adherence to the so-called "one China principle," referring to Beijing's claims over Taiwan.
Historical Context
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 a multiparty democracy.
