Fri Dec 06 08:18:50 UTC 2024: ## Paraguay Expels Chinese Diplomat for Alleged Interference

**ASUNCION, Paraguay —** Paraguay expelled a Chinese diplomat on Thursday for alleged interference in its domestic affairs, escalating tensions between the South American nation and China. The Foreign Ministry ordered the diplomat, identified as Xu Wei, to leave the country within 24 hours.

While the ministry did not detail the nature of the interference, the Taiwanese Embassy in Paraguay accused Mr. Xu of attempting to undermine the relationship between Paraguay and Taiwan. Local media reports suggest Mr. Xu met with opposition lawmakers in Congress, urging Paraguay to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, highlighting potential economic benefits for the country’s soy exports.

Paraguay is the only South American country maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a status that has reportedly hindered Paraguayan agricultural exports to China. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, a claim rejected by the democratically governed island.

Mr. Xu, who was in Paraguay ostensibly for a UNESCO meeting, was accused of exceeding the limits of his visa by engaging in what Deputy Minister Juan Baiardi termed “inappropriate internal politics.” The expulsion underscores the ongoing geopolitical struggle between China and Taiwan, and its impact on international relations.

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