The victory of pro-government candidate Santiago Peña in Paraguay’s presidential elections confirms the continuity of diplomatic relations between Paraguay and Taiwan, which have been maintained for more than 60 years. This relationship had been questioned during the election campaign, but Peña, who will replace current President Mario Abdo in August, has been emphatic in his defense of these relations, pointing out that “we are united by a bond of democratic principles and values.” Paraguay is one of 13 countries that still officially recognize Taiwan, not China, after Honduras broke off relations with Taiwan in March.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen congratulated Peña on his victory and expressed her desire to deepen relations between the two countries. On the other hand, some sectors of the Paraguayan economy, such as agricultural and livestock producers, have called for Paraguay to establish relations with China, as this would give them access to a larger market. Paraguay is a major producer of beef and soybeans, and its main export destinations are Chile, Russia, and Brazil.
However, some analysts suggest that relations with Taiwan also have benefits, as they can help develop a stronger industrial base in Paraguay. In addition, much of Paraguay’s political sector receives campaign support from Taiwan, which may explain Peña’s advocacy of these relations.
It should be noted that China considers Taiwan a rebellious province that it hopes to regain one day, even by force, and, under the “One China” principle, does not allow any country to maintain diplomatic relations simultaneously with Taiwan. Of the countries that officially recognize Taiwan, seven are in Latin America and the Caribbean: Guatemala, Belize, Paraguay, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The other states that recognize Taiwan are the Vatican, Swaziland in Africa, and the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, and Tuvalu in the Pacific.