Taiwan ministry thanks Paraguay for expelling Chinese envoy

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) thanked Paraguay for expelling Xu Wei, a senior envoy of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), following calls for the South American country to sever diplomatic ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing. Have done, the Taipei Times reported.

The removal underscores Paraguay’s commitment to maintaining its 67-year-old relationship with Taiwan.

The Paraguayan government on Thursday canceled Xu’s visa and declared him/her undocumented, giving him/her 24 hours to leave the country. The decision was inspired by Xu’s comments in Paraguay’s Congress, where he/she urged the nation to abandon Taiwan diplomatically.

Paraguay’s Foreign Ministry said Xu’s actions constituted interference in its internal affairs. The envoy was in Paraguay for UNESCO’s annual meeting, but he/she reportedly skipped the event to make his/her controversial statement along with two China-friendly lawmakers.

MOFA on Friday praised Paraguay’s tough stance, calling it a step to maintain sovereignty and strengthen bilateral relations. “Paraguay has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding its partnership with Taiwan despite continued pressure from China,” MOFA said.

The ministry also criticized Beijing for exploiting international forums such as UNESCO to advance its agenda and urged the global community to recognize such actions undermine the international rules-based order, the Taipei Times reported .

However, China reacted with disapproval. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian described Paraguay’s action as a “groundless and unreasonable accusation” against Xu. Lin reiterated Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the PRC’s territory, which is at the heart of its diplomatic disputes with Taiwan and its allies.

Paraguay is the only South American nation, and one of just 12 countries globally, to formally recognize the Republic of China, the official name of Taiwan. The administration of President Santiago Pena, which began last year, has repeatedly reaffirmed its loyalty to Taiwan, while resisting Beijing’s efforts to alienate Taiwan’s formal allies.

Separately, Taiwan and Paraguay are continuing to strengthen their partnership. On Saturday, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung joined Paraguayan Ambassador Carlos Jose Fleitas and Wu Ting-fa, chairman of Master Transportation Bus Manufacturing, to oversee the shipment of 30 electric buses from Taipei Port to Paraguay, the Taipei Times reported. Happened.

This shipment is a step towards Paraguay’s green initiative, inspired by Taiwan’s technological contribution.

The project, proposed by Peña and formalized through a memorandum of understanding during his/her May visit to Taiwan, includes Master Transportation’s commitment to invest USD 30 million in an electric bus manufacturing plant in Paraguay.

The buses are expected to arrive by the end of February, marking a milestone in Taiwan’s sustainable development and bilateral cooperation efforts.