Paraguay expelled Chinese diplomat Xu Wei after he allegedly urged lawmakers to cut ties with Taiwan in favor of recognizing mainland China. The Paraguayan government accused him of interference in domestic politics, while China denied any wrongdoing. This incident reflects ongoing tensions in Latin America regarding diplomatic recognition of Taiwan versus China.
Paraguay has reprimanded a senior Chinese diplomat, Xu Wei, announcing his expulsion due to allegations of interference in the nation’s political affairs. Xu, who serves as a Chinese envoy to Latin America, attended a UNESCO meeting in Asuncion but reportedly engaged with Paraguayan lawmakers instead. During this meeting, he allegedly encouraged them to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan, advocating for recognition of mainland China by claiming such a move would yield significant benefits for Paraguay. In response to these interactions, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry declared Xu persona non grata, granting him a mere 24 hours to depart the country. The Chinese Foreign Ministry, however, refuted the claims, asserting that Xu’s actions did not constitute interference and dismissed the accusations as unfounded.
The diplomatic relations between Paraguay and Taiwan have been longstanding, with Paraguay being one of the few nations in South America that officially recognizes Taipei. In recent years, China has been actively working to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, persuading several Latin American countries to switch their allegiance to Beijing. Paraguay’s recent expulsion of Xu Wei reflects a significant stance against such diplomatic maneuvers, as they seek to maintain their ties with Taiwan amid increasing pressure from China.
In summary, Paraguay’s decision to expel Chinese diplomat Xu Wei underscores the tensions surrounding its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This incident illustrates the aggressive approach China has taken to expand its influence in Latin America, aiming to persuade nations to abandon their alliances with Taipei. By asserting its independence and defending its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, Paraguay has positioned itself in the midst of a broader geopolitical struggle between the two competing powers.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
