As China instructed him to cut ties with Taipei, Paraguayan President Santiago Pena stated on Thursday that Taiwan and Paraguay had a bond built on freedom and democracy that goes beyond diplomatic niceties.
His visit coincides with China's increased attempts and fresh initiatives to entice the South American country to abandon its long-standing support for Taipei.
This is Pena's second trip to Taiwan as president. One of the twelve nations that still have official diplomatic ties with the democratically run island that Beijing claims is Paraguay.After being awarded an honorary doctorate, Pena addressed university students in Taipei in English and stated that Taiwan and Paraguay had a freedom-based relationship.At the same event, Taiwanese Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim spoke to Pena about how, prior to his election as president, she had met and been impressed by him in Washington.And President Pena's dedication to serving the people of Paraguay continues to amaze me," she continued. "The five Ps are President Pena, passion, people, and Paraguay. Additionally, it is "perfecto" because of a moral tie with Taiwan.
In their public statements, neither made reference to China.
Paraguay should "stand on the right side of history" and "sever so-called diplomatic relations with the Taiwan authorities," according to Lin Jian, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry in Beijing earlier on Thursday.In reference to Beijing's position that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are a part of a single nation, Lin stated, "The 'One China' principle is a fundamental norm ⁠of international relations and the universal consensus of the international community."
Taiwan's final South American diplomatic ally is Paraguay.
In 1957, during the early years of the dictatorship of fiercely anti-communist Alfredo Stroessner in Paraguay, the two established diplomatic ties.
Pena enjoys solid connections with the United States and was referred to as a "young, handsome guy" by U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington in February for his new board of peace.
President Lai Ching-te and his administration disagree with China's claim that Taiwan is one of its provinces.