The recent conflict between Paraguay and China has drawn international attention, highlighting the tensions between Asunción and Beijing due to the South American country’s stance in support of Taiwan.
The Paraguayan government declared Chinese diplomat Xu Wei persona non grata, ordering his expulsion following accusations of interference in the country’s internal affairs.
This incident underscores the growing geopolitical tensions in Hispanic America, where China’s influence continues to rise.
Xu Wei, China’s envoy, was accused of publicly advocating for Paraguay to sever ties with Taiwan and establish relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Dec 5: Paraguay kicks out Xu Wei (徐伟), minister counselor of the Department of Latin American & Caribbean Affairs of 🇨🇳 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for interfering in Paraguay’s domestic affairs and urging the South American nation to break off ties and long friendship with… pic.twitter.com/t4qEl0Jm8W
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) December 6, 2024
During a visit to the Paraguayan Congress, Xu emphasized the economic benefits of aligning with Beijing, arguing that maintaining relations with Taiwan was detrimental to the country. However, these remarks were interpreted by Paraguay as a violation of its sovereignty and an unacceptable pressure to change its foreign policy. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revoked his visa and expelled him from the country.
The Context of Paraguay-Taiwan Relations
Paraguay is one of the few countries that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, despite China’s efforts to isolate the island on the international stage. This relationship has been strengthened over years of economic and technical cooperation, with joint projects benefiting key sectors of the Paraguayan economy.
President Santiago Peña has reiterated his government’s commitment to Taiwan, emphasizing that China does not represent, nor will it ever represent, the island.
The expulsion of Xu Wei takes place within the broader context of China intensifying its presence in Hispanic America, offering attractive economic deals to convince countries to sever ties with Taiwan.
In recent years, countries like Honduras and El Salvador have shifted their positions, largely motivated by promises of investments and credit from Beijing.
Implications for Paraguay and the Region
Paraguay’s decision to expel the Chinese diplomat sends a clear message that it will not yield to external pressures in its foreign policy. However, it also presents a significant challenge.
Paraguay’s firm stance reflects a commitment to its diplomatic principles and sovereignty, but it also highlights the dilemmas faced by smaller countries in the face of major powers.
Hispanic America stands at a crossroads, where diplomatic decisions are deeply influenced by economic promises and global geopolitical tensions.
Will Paraguay be able to maintain its position without succumbing to China’s economic temptations? This case will serve as a reference for other countries facing similar challenges in an increasingly polarized world.
About The Author
Maria Herrera Mellado
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada y analista política muy respetada. Licenciada en Derecho en EE.UU. y España, también tiene un doctorado en Ciencias Jurídicas y varios títulos de la Universidad de Granada (España), de la Universidad de Arizona y de la Florida International University. Con amplia experiencia en derecho internacional, asesoría en inversiones, representación en inmigración, y protección de la privacidad y lucha anticorrupción, ha asesorado a organizaciones y políticos europeos, estadounidenses e hispanoamericanos. Ha escrito sobre seguridad nacional e inmigración, protección de datos, derecho constitucional, consumo financiero y derecho bancario en revistas internacionales y coescribió libros publicados en Perú y Colombia. Es reconocida por su servicio comunitario en EE.UU. y es considerada una de las mujeres más influyentes de Florida. Es experta en varios idiomas y participa frecuentemente en debates en canales como Univisión, Fox, France 24, Telemundo y es la Editora Jefe de Gateway Hispanic.
María Herrera Mellado is a highly respected lawyer and political analyst. She holds law degrees from both the United States and Spain, as well as a Ph.D. in Legal Sciences and several diplomas from the University of Granada (Spain), the University of Arizona, and Florida International University. With extensive experience in international law, investment advisory, immigration representation, privacy protection, and anti-corruption efforts, she has advised organizations and politicians across Europe, the United States, and Hispanic America. She has written about national security and immigration, data protection, constitutional law, financial consumer protection, and banking law in international journals and co-authored books published in Peru and Colombia. Recognized for her community service in the United States, she is considered one of the most influential women in Florida. A polyglot, she frequently participates in debates on channels such as Univisión, Fox, France 24, Telemundo, and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Gateway Hispanic.
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