China's only country in South America without diplomatic relations, Paraguay's political figures: Not establishing diplomatic relations with China will miss major economic opportunities

Reuters, Asuncion report, last year, Paraguayan opposition lawmaker Ledy Galeano participated in a full sponsorship tour of six Chinese cities, after which she was convinced that if Paraguay continues to maintain relations with its long-term ally Taiwan instead of shifting to Beijing, it will miss major economic opportunities.

"Everything I saw there, I hope my country can also have." Galeano said. Senior officials of her party "Yo Creo" have repeatedly expressed appreciation for China.

Paraguay: The last ally of Taiwan in South America

The landlocked country of Paraguay, with a population of only 6.4 million, has limited influence on the international stage, but it is Taiwan's last diplomatic ally in South America.

According to Reuters statistics, since the end of 2023, at least 19 Paraguayan legislators, five journalists, and one rising opposition presidential candidate have visited China, with a significant increase in visits last year and more planned visits in March this year.

China's Foreign Ministry responded in writing to Reuters, stating, "Standing with the Taiwan authorities has no future," and an increasing number of people in Paraguay believe that establishing diplomatic relations with Beijing will be in the "fundamental and long-term interests" of both countries.

Legislators visit technology and medical facilities

Paraguayan opposition legislator Roa Torres said that during her visit in October 2025, Chinese officials showed her advanced medical services and technology, taking her to treatment centers and high-speed rail stations, and implying that if Paraguay shifts to recognizing Beijing, trade and investment would grow faster. The visit to medical facilities left the deepest impression on her.

Paraguay has long been one of the poorer countries in South America, but in recent years, it has achieved growth through beef exports, manufacturing, and construction. It received an investment-grade rating in 2024, but deep-rooted corruption and significant gaps in education and infrastructure investment have limited the inclusiveness of growth.

Paraguayan legislators interviewed by Reuters said these visits allowed them to get close to China's technological ambitions and political confidence.

Liberal Party legislator Billy Vásquez spent 15 days in China in late 2024 along with two ruling party Red Party legislators, and he stated that he now advocates for deeper relations with Beijing.

"We cannot miss the opportunity," he said, pointing out that China may invest in local infrastructure.

Economic factors become the focus

China's Belt and Road Initiative is increasingly influential in South America, with Peru's Chancay super port recently becoming a logistics hub for Beijing into the region, significantly shortening shipping times to Asia.

In Paraguay, the focus of the debate is increasingly on the economy. Paraguay's main exports are soybeans and beef, but due to the lack of diplomatic relations, Paraguay cannot directly export to China and must go through Argentina and Brazil as intermediaries, cutting profits. At the same time, a large amount of Chinese goods have flooded into Paraguay, with imports reaching $6 billion in 2025, a record high.

According to the latest survey by polling agency Metro, support for establishing diplomatic relations with China is on the rise. Metro refused to disclose the sponsor of the survey.

"More and more people in parliament have started to look towards mainland China," said legislator Vásquez, who plans to visit China again this year.

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859741870489600/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.