Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says that diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the South American nation of Paraguay remain strong despite Chinese efforts to disrupt them.
Wu said Wednesday that Chinese instigation is behind demonstrations that have recently broken out in Paraguay over issues with procuring doses of COVID-19 vaccines. He said that the Paraguayan government understands that Chinese meddling has angered the Paraguayan government. He says this has soured its attitude towards China, helping ensure the stability of the country’s ties with Taiwan.
Wu also addressed lawmakers’ concerns about the US$13 million in bilateral cooperation funds that Taiwan is letting Paraguay set aside for buying COVID-19 vaccine doses. Some lawmakers have expressed concern that Paraguay might use this grant of Taiwanese money to buy Chinese-made vaccines.
Wu said however that Taiwan has only agreed to let Paraguay set the money aside on the condition that they do not buy any vaccines made in China.