Paraguay’s president visits Taiwan as pressure from China grows

Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña arrived in Taiwan yesterday for his first visit to the self-ruled island.

Paraguay is the only remaining country in South America and one of 12 worldwide to recognize Taiwan. Paraguay maintains a solid trade relationship with China but has nevertheless reaffirmed its commitment to Taipei as its diplomatic partner.

Peña is leading a business delegation from areas such as agriculture and finance to Taiwan from Thursday until Sunday, according to Taiwan’s government. He met with Taiwan’s minister Lin Chia-lung upon his arrival yesterday.

Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te is set to receive Peña with military honors today.

The visit comes as Beijing has been increasing pressure on the island democracy, including sending warplanes and navy vessels toward the island on a near-daily basis.

Taiwan, meanwhile, has sought to assert its presence internationally.

Last week, Lai visited the southern African nation of Eswatini, Taipei’s last remaining diplomatic partner in Africa, after being forced to postpone the trip when several countries withdrew permission for him to fly over their territories reportedly over Chinese pressure.

China neither confirmed nor denied the allegations but instead expressed “high appreciation” for the countries’ adherence to the so-called “one China principle,” referring to Beijing’s claims over Taiwan. MDT/AP