Taiwan-Paraguay Relations: Convergent Trajectories

Julian Tucker and Larissa Stünkel
Abstract
- Paraguay’s ongoing diplomatic recognition of Taiwan rests upon a common historical foundation and reflects a parallel trajectory.
- Successive regimes have maintained diplomatic relations even as the external environment has changed.
- While great power politics have an impact, both Asunción and Taipei are actively shaping their relationship.
Introduction
Paraguay is Taiwan’s last remaining diplomatic partner in South America and one of a mere 15 states worldwide to still officially recognize the Republic of China (ROC). As Beijing’s efforts to reduce Taipei’s international space have grown, intense lobbying to review diplomatic policy has also been felt in Asunción. Especially after El Salvador cut ties with Taipei in 2018, concerns grew as to whether the days were also likely numbered for Taiwan’s only South American stronghold. Yet the administration of President Mario Abdo Benítez has remained committed to a diplomatic relationship with Taipei. Soon after Salvador’s realignment towards China, Taiwan’s Tsai Ing-wen met with Benítez during which the Paraguayan president referred to Taiwan as “an eternal brother.”
The apparent strength in relations can be attributed to the unique historical trajectories of both Taiwan and Paraguay. The intensifying rivalry between the United States and China, which impacts both Asunción and Taipei, has certainly played a role in the contemporary Taiwanese-Paraguayan relationship as well. However, the two share a unique and evolving history that goes beyond navigating great power politics. There is more to Paraguay’s stance towards Taiwan than simple rhetoric.
Related Publications
-
Cross-Strait Relations: A Conflict in Slow Motion?
Abstract Xi Jinping’s much-anticipated centennial speech left little doubt that it remains “an unshakeable commitment” for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to resolve the Taiwan issue. With the global pandemic […]
-
Slowly Taking Off: Nordic-Taiwan Relations
Taiwan has in recent years attracted increasing attention all over the world. It has become the focal point of conflict in the U.S.-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific and has also […]
-
Unpacking Beijing’s Narrative on Taiwan
Executive Summary Shaping economic rules, technology standards, and political institutions have been the core pillars of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s efforts to advance his authoritarian model and weaken democratic processes […]
-
The Dangers of a Stagnant China: The Necessity of Awkward Coexistence
Abstract: In the build-up to the 20th Party Congress, a series of essays emerged focusing on Xi Jinping cementing a third term as General Secretary of the Communist Party of […]
-
Will the PLA Pledge Total Allegiance to Xi Jinping?
This article was originally posted on The National Interest’s website, you can find the article here. Xi’s resolute grip on the three most powerful positions in Chinese society has […]
-
The New Asia
Abstract Current global health and economic crises mark another inflection point for a rapidly transforming Asia, which is characterized by the rise of a more geographically expansive, multi-polar, and polycentric […]