Paraguay, one of the last strongholds of diplomatic recognition for Taiwan, reiterated its steadfast support for the island during the recent visit of its foreign minister, Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano. Despite the growing pressure from China, which may be tempting many countries to sever ties with Taiwan, Paraguay's commitment remains firm as it is one of only 12 nations worldwide to maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
While the relationship with China is economically significant—valued at roughly $5 billion—Paraguay has no intention of sacrificing its alliance with Taiwan. Foreign Minister Lezcano made this clear when he stated, "Paraguay’s support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation." This sentiment reflects the government’s resolve to navigate its foreign relations carefully, ensuring both economic growth and ideological beliefs are honored.
During his visit, which took place amid increased diplomatic isolation for Taiwan, Minister Lezcano engaged with Taiwan's President. The two discussed enhancing cooperation and securing future investments. Recognizing the challenging global environment, Lezcano emphasized the importance of deepening ties with Taiwan rather than succumbing to external pressures, including those from the United States and China.
China has been aggressively seeking to reshape the diplomatic alliances of many countries, offering substantial trade deals and infrastructure investments as incentives for cutting ties with Taiwan. For example, just last year, Honduras made headlines when it broke relations with Taiwan, swayed by promises from Beijing. Paraguay appears resolute against this trend. Lezcano openly stated he would welcome commercial and diplomatic ties with China, but made it crystal clear—these pursuits must not come at the cost of Taiwan. "We are open to building relationships without any preconditions, including those forcing us to shift away from Taiwan,” he stated.
This clear demonstration of loyalty to Taiwan sets Paraguay apart from its neighbors, as many South American nations are increasingly aligning with China. The dynamic, characterized by shifting allegiances and China’s rise as the go-to partner, especially for debt-ridden nations, remains under global scrutiny. These shifts pose serious questions concerning Taiwan's diplomatic future and its ability to withstand Chinese pressures.
Lezcano's visit also sparked discussions about broadening market access for Paraguayan agricultural exports, which include beef, soybeans, and corn—goods considered highly favorable by international standards. Paraguay is eager to build this partnership with Taiwan, aligning closer with markets eager for quality agricultural imports.
Future collaborations appear promising as Paraguay looks to sign agreements promoting more direct access to Taiwanese markets. By implementing measures like reciprocal visa-free statuses, both nations stand to benefit from easing travel, enhancing tourism and business exchanges significantly.
The visit aligns well with Paraguay’s strategic interests, especially as new U.S. diplomatic leadership emerges. The Paraguayan foreign minister hinted at exploring potential synergies with the incoming U.S. Secretary of State and expressed eagerness to engage with the new administration, which may lead to increased diplomatic and economic support from the United States.
Despite significant diplomatic attrition faced by Taiwan, with only twelve remaining allies, there remains hope and depth within these ties. Paraguay is firmly planted on the map as one of Taiwan’s most loyal partners. Lezcano’s firm proclamations and proactive approach during this visit to Taiwan underline the strength of their partnership — one built on mutual respect and benefit, as both sides face the immense shadow cast by China.
