Paraguay expelled Chinese envoy Xu Wei after he urged lawmakers to choose between Taiwan and China, claiming it would benefit the nation’s economy. His interference in domestic affairs, according to the Paraguayan government, prompted the revocation of his visa. Paraguay remains one of the very few countries that recognize Taiwan diplomatically.
The South American nation of Paraguay has expelled Xu Wei, a visiting Chinese diplomat, following allegations of his interference in the country’s domestic affairs. Paraguay’s Foreign Ministry announced that Xu’s visa was revoked, and he was declared persona non grata, giving him 24 hours to depart the country. His expulsion came after he urged Paraguayan lawmakers to sever ties with Taiwan in favor of establishing a relationship with China, a move that has increasingly been observed in the region amid China’s expanding influence.
In recent years, several Latin American nations have shifted their diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, in pursuit of economic benefits and robust trade relations. Paraguay is one of the few remaining countries that maintain formal ties with Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. The growing Chinese presence in Latin America is fueled by trade agreements that promise significant economic opportunities, which has prompted local lawmakers to consider the benefits of aligning with Beijing instead of Taipei. Xu Wei’s recent visit to Paraguay underscored this diplomatic tension.
The expulsion of Xu Wei highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition between China and Taiwan, particularly in Latin America, where diplomatic relations are often tied to economic interests. Paraguay’s decision to uphold its friendship with Taiwan serves as a significant stance amidst increasing pressure from China, which demands exclusive recognition. As more nations shift allegiance, Taiwan’s diplomatic status continues to face challenges that reflect broader geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
