Taipei: Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has expressed gratitude to Paraguay for expelling Xu Wei, a senior People’s Republic of China (PRC) envoy, following his call for the South American country to sever diplomatic ties with Taipei in favour of Beijing, Taipei Times reported.
The expulsion underscores Paraguay’s commitment to maintaining its 67-year-long relationship with Taiwan.
Paraguay’s government on Thursday revoked Xu’s visa and declared him persona non grata, giving him 24 hours to leave the country. The decision was prompted by Xu’s remarks at Paraguay’s Congress, where he urged the nation to abandon Taiwan diplomatically.
Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Xu’s actions constituted interference in its internal affairs. The envoy had been in Paraguay for an annual UNESCO meeting but reportedly bypassed the event to deliver his controversial statement, accompanied by two China-friendly lawmakers.
MOFA on Friday lauded Paraguay’s firm stance, calling it a move to uphold sovereignty and strengthen bilateral ties. “Paraguay has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding its partnership with Taiwan despite persistent pressure from China,” MOFA stated.
The ministry also criticised Beijing for exploiting international platforms like UNESCO to advance its agenda, urging the global community to recognise such actions as undermining the international rules-based order, reported Taipei Times. China, however, responded with disapproval. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian described Paraguay’s actions as “unfounded and unjustified accusations” against Xu. Lin reiterated Beijing’s stance that Taiwan is an inseparable part of the PRC’s territory, a position central to its diplomatic disputes with Taiwan and its allies. (ANI)
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