The Chinese government refuted claims by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña that even though the South American country maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it will nonetheless continue to sell soybeans to China.
“Contrary to what President Peña said, China has imported zero soy from Paraguay in recent years,” Lin Jian, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said at the regular press briefing on Monday.
But Asunción was quick to reply.
Government Spokesperson Paula Carro told a press conference on Monday that Paraguayan soy does, in fact, make it to China via “intermediaries.” She did not provide any details as to who precisely these intermediaries are or how much soy is purportedly sold to Chinese buyers.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? This dispute, of course, has nothing to do with soybeans and everything to do with Paraguay’s dedication to maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Unlike a growing number of Global South governments that have recently switched their allegiance or are at least considering it, Peña remains steadfastly committed to Taipei, which is very irritating for Beijing.
SUGGESTED READING:
- La Política Online: Xi refutes Peña about the export of Paraguayan soybeans to China and urges him to change the relationship with Taiwan (in Spanish)
- South China Morning Post: Taiwan agrees to allow duty-free imports of Paraguayan pork in setback for mainland China by Igor Patrick
