ASUNCION, July 15 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Paraguay, Taiwan’s only remaining diplomatic ally in South America, vowed Monday to defend its ties with the self-governing democracy claimed by China and announced that its president, Lai Ching-te, will visit in August.
President Santiago Peña hosted Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, during a visit to Asunción with a delegation of around 30 business leaders.
“Paraguay is ready to defend this 68-year relationship, which is based on democratic principles and values, with all its strength and with a loud voice,” Peña said, adding that Taiwan has been “tremendously generous” with its investments in his country.
“We do not disregard China, but we recognise the self-determination of the people of Taiwan,” he added, noting that Paraguay hopes to move to “a higher level of collaboration” with Taiwan.
Among those in attendance Monday were Terry Tsao, a senior executive at semiconductor company SEMI, as well as representatives from Taiwan’s IT, communications, smart transportation, agriculture, construction and building industries.
Taiwan is a global chip powerhouse, producing more than half of the world’s semiconductors — vital for powering the latest generative Artificial Intelligence models. — NNN-AGENCIES
