Paraguay President Santiago Peña said on Friday that Paraguay “deeply values” its relationship with Taiwan and will continue supporting the island, despite growing pressure from China to sever diplomatic ties.
Peña made the remarks during an official welcome ceremony in Taipei alongside Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.
Paraguay is one of only 12 countries worldwide that still maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan and remains Taipei’s last diplomatic ally in South America.
Paraguay Reaffirms Commitment
Speaking during the visit, President Santiago Peña described the relationship as a strategic alliance built on shared democratic values.
“Paraguay deeply values this relationship and reiterates its commitment to continue supporting Taiwan in a strategic alliance based on shared values such as democracy, freedom, human rights, and the rule of law,” he said.
Lai thanked Paraguay for its long-standing support for Taiwan on the international stage and said he hoped the visit would deepen bilateral cooperation even further.
“The Paraguayan government has long spoken up for Taiwan in the international arena and firmly supports Taiwan’s international participation,” Lai said.
China Increases Pressure
Peña’s visit comes amid intensified Chinese efforts to persuade Paraguay to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.
China on Thursday publicly urged Paraguay to end ties with Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes countries maintaining official diplomatic relations with the island.
Taiwan’s government rejects China’s sovereignty claims and says only the people of Taiwan can decide their future.
Growing Debate Inside Paraguay
China has also stepped up outreach to Paraguay’s political and business circles in recent years.
A Reuters report in March said several Paraguayan lawmakers, journalists and opposition figures had visited China since late 2023, amid debate inside Paraguay over whether maintaining ties with Taiwan could carry economic costs.
However, Peña’s government has repeatedly insisted that its relationship with Taiwan is based on shared democratic principles rather than economic calculations.
Peña’s current trip marks his second visit to Taiwan since becoming president.
(with inputs from Reuters)
