Paraguay, one of Taiwan’s 12 remaining allies, says it won’t break ties in favor of China [Video]

TAIPEI – Paraguay’s foreign minister said his country is committed to its relationship with Taiwan and has no plans to break off their diplomatic relationship in favor of China as he visited the increasingly isolated island Friday.

Paraguay is the only country in South America and one of 12 worldwide that recognizes Taiwan as a country, but it also has a big trade relationship with China worth about $5 billion.

“Paraguay is open to establish diplomatic, consular or commercial relations with China without conditions,” Paraguay Foreign Minister Ruben Dario Ramirez Lezcano said. But “we don’t accept any condition to break our relations with Taiwan.”

China has become one of the biggest players in South America, and the biggest trading partner for many countries in the region. China’s trade with the region has grown exponentially, reaching nearly $500 billion as of 2023, according to data from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the …