Paraguay expelled Chinese diplomat Xu Wei for allegedly urging lawmakers to sever ties with Taiwan. Xu was mandated to leave following his reported actions during a UNESCO meeting in Asuncion, drawing attention to China’s efforts to isolate Taiwan internationally.
Paraguay has taken decisive action by expelling Xu Wei, a senior Chinese diplomat, due to allegations of interference in the nation’s internal affairs. Xu was attending a UNESCO meeting in Asuncion when he reportedly met with congressional members, where he encouraged them to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of recognizing the People’s Republic of China. In response to his actions, the Paraguayan Foreign Ministry declared him persona non grata, mandating his departure within 24 hours, thereby signaling a stance against external interference.
This incident underscores the geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan and its diplomatic relations. In recent years, China has aggressively sought to diminish Taiwan’s international presence by persuading several countries, particularly in Latin America, to shift their diplomatic allegiance from Taipei to Beijing. This strategy often involves promising economic benefits, such as trade and investment opportunities, which can significantly influence smaller nations’ foreign policy decisions.
The expulsion of Xu Wei serves as a clear message from Paraguay regarding its commitment to maintaining its diplomatic ties with Taiwan despite China’s ongoing efforts to isolate the island nation. As geopolitical dynamics evolve in Latin America, Paraguay’s stance may inspire other countries to consider the implications of their diplomatic affiliations amidst pressures from powerful nations such as China.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
