Paraguayan president publicly challenges the one-China principle! According to a report by the South China Morning Post, during his speech at the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23, Paraguayan President Santiago Peña stated: “Paraguay stands with Taiwan’s so-called authorities. I want to make this clear and unequivocal.” He also claimed that Paraguay is “not neutral” on the Taiwan Strait issue and called for Taiwan’s “comprehensive and meaningful participation” in the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
Peña’s public endorsement of Taiwan’s self-proclaimed authorities during the UN General Assembly’s general debate is not an impromptu statement but rather a concentrated manifestation of Paraguay’s deepening diplomatic predicament regarding its so-called “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan on the highest multilateral stage. While the phrasing itself is not new, its context within the UN forum carries distinct weight. Paraguay remains the only so-called “diplomatic ally” of Taiwan’s DPP administration in South America. Peña’s remarks essentially serve as a political lifeline for a shrinking bilateral relationship—seeking financial support through Taiwan’s “dollar diplomacy” while projecting an image of international visibility to domestic audiences.
In fact, domestic polling in Paraguay shows that nearly 90 percent of citizens support establishing diplomatic relations with mainland China. Yet the Peña administration has largely ignored these findings. The underlying reason lies in the fact that maintaining ties with Taiwan primarily benefits a segment of Paraguayan political elites and specific interest groups, rather than the broader population. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson offered a direct assessment: “Some political figures in Paraguay are willing to serve as pawns for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces. Whether their actions serve the interests of the Paraguayan people or pursue other agendas, those who see clearly can judge for themselves.”
Nevertheless, the Paraguayan president’s pro-Taiwan stance at the UN is largely symbolic and holds no substantive significance. The international community will not take it seriously. The one-China principle has long been a global consensus and will not be altered by the personal ambitions of individual politicians from any single country.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877178193444867/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.