Taiwan (AP) During his visit to the increasingly isolated island on Friday, the foreign minister of Paraguay stated that his nation is dedicated to its connection with Taiwan and has no plans to sever ties in favor of China.
In addition to having a significant trading relationship with China worth over $5 billion, Paraguay is the only nation in South America and one of 12 in the world to recognize Taiwan as a separate nation.
According to Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano, the foreign minister of Paraguay, the country is open to establishing diplomatic, consular, or business ties with China without any restrictions. However, we refuse to accept any terms that will sever ties with Taiwan.
China has emerged as a major force in South America and a major economic partner for numerous nations in the region. According to figures from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, China’s commerce with the region has increased rapidly, attaining around $500 billion by 2023.
“We are really dedicated,” Ramirez Lezcano stated. The partnership is not reliant on the United States, he continued. It’s not because the United States is requesting that Paraguay maintain ties with Taiwan.
China demands that its claim that Taiwan is a part of China be acknowledged by its diplomatic allies. Following a civil war, China and Taiwan parted ways, and Taiwan is now an independent nation.
On Thursday, Ramirez Lezcano met with Lai Ching-te, the president of Taiwan. Lai greeted him and stated their strong friendship was demonstrated by his presence.
To sign a reciprocal visa-free agreement for their citizens, Ramirez Lezcano is in Taiwan. Along with working on investment prospects, he stated that he will pursue the nation’s objective of expanding its market access for its agricultural products, specifically corn, soybeans, and beef.
In defiance of the trend, President Santiago Pea, who took office last year, has stated time and again that he will stick behind Taiwan. As a result of China’s poaching campaign, Taiwan’s diplomatic allies have diminished. Honduras severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan last year.
Ramirez Lezcano added that he was excited to collaborate with Marco Rubio, the contender for U.S. secretary of state. Regarding his meeting with President-elect Donald Trump and his team last week at Mar-a-Lago, he stated, “He’s ready to strengthen our relations, and go deeper.”
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From Bangkok, Wu reported.
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