China is intensifying its efforts to woo the political class of Paraguay, one of the last countries in the world to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Beijing hopes to convince this South American country to sever ties with Taipei in order to strengthen its influence in the region.
According to several Paraguayan officials, elected representatives recently participated in trips to China financed by institutions linked to Beijing. These trips, which included visits to several major Chinese cities, were organized at the invitation of the Chinese consulate in São Paulo, Brazil.
Opposition lawmaker Leidy Galeano, a member of the Yo Creo party, said she was impressed by the infrastructure and economic development she witnessed during her trip. She believes Paraguay could miss out on significant economic opportunities by remaining loyal to Taiwan rather than establishing relations with China.
With approximately 6,4 million inhabitants, Paraguay is a modest player on the international stage. But it holds strategic importance for Taipei: it is Taiwan's last diplomatic ally in South America and one of the twelve countries in the world that still officially recognize the island.
A change of position by Asunción would represent a major symbolic victory for Beijing in its campaign to isolate Taiwan on the international stage. China considers the democratically governed island a renegade province.
This diplomatic rivalry is part of a broader competition for influence in Latin America, where the United States is also seeking to maintain its strategic presence in the face of China's rise to power.
