Paraguay Balances Taiwan Loyalty Against Growing China Trade Demands

Paraguay President Santiago Pena attends a welcoming ceremony with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, Taiwan. May 8, 2026. REUTERS/Ann Wang

Paraguay President Santiago Pena wrapped up a four-day visit to Taiwan on Sunday, reaffirming his country’s close ties with Taipei and further angering China.

Beijing denounced Pena’s visit and called on the South American country to sever ties with the island that it claims is part of China.

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by Eric Olander

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