Overview

• President Santiago Peña declared Paraguay will defend its 68-year diplomatic bond with Taiwan as rooted in democratic values.
• Authorities declared Chinese envoy Xu Wei persona non grata after accusing him of privately lobbying lawmakers to switch recognition to Beijing with promised trade incentives.
• At an Asunción business forum, Peña hosted Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and about 30 industry leaders to spotlight Taiwanese investment in sectors such as semiconductors.
• Paraguay remains the sole South American country officially recognizing Taipei while resisting Chinese economic overtures in favor of sovereign foreign policy.
• The announcement sets the stage for Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s state visit next month, underscoring Asunción’s unique regional support for Taipei.