Beijing Courts Paraguay Politicians to Break Taiwan Alliance

China is offering lavish trips to Paraguayan lawmakers to convince them to abandon Taiwan, the country's longtime diplomatic partner. Paraguay remains Taiwan's final ally in South America, making it a key target in Beijing's campaign to isolate the island nation.

Paraguayan opposition legislator Leidy Galeano came back from a fully-funded journey through six Chinese metropolises with a new perspective: her nation was potentially forfeiting significant economic opportunities by maintaining its alliance with Taiwan instead of pursuing ties with Beijing.

“Everything I saw there, I wanted for my country,” Galeano stated. She belongs to the recently established Yo Creo party, whose leadership has expressed positive views toward China.

Her journey, along with similar excursions that sources indicate were sponsored by China’s consulate in São Paulo, featured elaborate dining experiences, accommodations at high-end hotels, and visits to the Great Wall. Paraguayan officials view these as part of a systematic campaign to pull their nation away from democratic Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory.

Despite having only 6.4 million residents and being landlocked, Paraguay holds significant symbolic importance as Taiwan’s final diplomatic partner in South America. Should Paraguay switch sides, it would hand Beijing a meaningful victory in its effort to diplomatically isolate Taipei. This campaign also demonstrates China’s determination to strengthen its presence in Latin America, where former President Trump also sought American dominance.

President Santiago Peña’s administration, with over two years remaining in office, has limited motivation to alter the Taiwan relationship that has long defined its international affairs. Political experts suggest the future remains uncertain, as internal power struggles could fragment the governing Colorado Party or force partnerships with opposition factions that have historically favored Beijing recognition.

Peña has openly confirmed his support for Taipei. “All the Latin American countries that switched from Taiwan to China and fell into the arms of the promise of the Chinese dream – every single one of them is worse off than Paraguay,” he declared in December during his podcast. The presidential office declined to provide additional comments.

The foreign ministry issued a statement saying Paraguay’s Taiwan relationship “are founded on principles and values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.”

China’s increased involvement conflicts with intensified efforts from Taipei and Washington to maintain current relationships. Paraguay established a defense agreement with the United States in January, became part of Trump’s “Board of Peace,” and attended a White House summit on critical minerals this year. Washington also removed sanctions from former President Horacio Cartes, who previously faced corruption allegations and serves as Peña’s advisor.

Conversations with six trip participants, including three legislators and three media professionals, plus Reuters’ examination of travel documents, reveal China’s influence campaign in Paraguay has intensified over the past year. Reuters documented at least 19 Paraguayan lawmakers, five journalists, and one emerging opposition presidential candidate visiting China since late 2023, with activity accelerating significantly last year.

China’s foreign ministry stated that “siding with Taiwan authorities holds no future,” noting that increasing numbers of Paraguayans across various sectors believe establishing Beijing diplomatic relations would benefit both nations’ “fundamental and long-term interests.” The ministry rejected claims of lobbying, describing people-to-people exchanges as mutual efforts requiring no persuasion.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry responded that Beijing was trying to “poach” its partners and confirmed it was “actively working to maintain ties with all of Taiwan’s diplomatic partners.”

A U.S. embassy representative in Asunción expressed hope that Paraguayans participating in Chinese-organized tours would “understand the degree of information manipulation” present in such visits.

Beijing’s Paraguay outreach mirrors regional patterns. Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and recently Honduras all shifted recognition following persistent Chinese lobbying and promises of trade and infrastructure development.

Opposition legislator Roya Torres described how Chinese officials during her October 2025 visit highlighted advanced healthcare services and technology, guiding her through medical facilities and high-speed rail systems while suggesting trade and investment could increase if Paraguay recognized Beijing. The healthcare demonstrations particularly impressed her.

The comparison with Paraguay’s situation reinforced her concern that the country was “running out of time” – a message Chinese officials repeatedly emphasized – and risked falling behind in medical technology access and Chinese market opportunities by maintaining Taipei ties.

Paraguay, traditionally among South America’s less wealthy nations, has experienced recent growth driven by beef exports, manufacturing, and construction. The country achieved investment-grade rating in 2024, though persistent corruption and educational and infrastructure investment gaps continue limiting broader economic benefits.

Trip participants indicated invitations came from China’s São Paulo consulate, though Reuters couldn’t independently confirm the source or funding. China’s foreign ministry didn’t verify the origin in their response.

Last October, Galeano, Torres, and fellow lawmakers stayed at Beijing’s luxury Shangri-La hotel before touring Chongqing’s massive manufacturing complex and meeting regional officials, according to itineraries Reuters reviewed.

Interviewed lawmakers described the tours as exceptional opportunities to witness China’s technological ambitions and political confidence firsthand.

Liberal Party Deputy Billy Vaesken, who spent 15 days in China during late 2024 alongside two Colorado Party colleagues, now supports stronger Beijing relationships.

“We must not miss our chance,” he emphasized, citing potential Chinese infrastructure investment. Reuters contacted at least six Colorado Party members who declined discussing their China visits. Several prominent opposition participants also refused to comment on their trips.

China’s massive Belt and Road Initiative has expanded throughout South America, recently including Peru’s Chancay mega-port, a logistics center reducing Asian shipping times and serving as Beijing’s regional gateway.

In Paraguay, the discussion increasingly centers on economics. While the country’s primary exports are soybeans and beef, direct Chinese sales are impossible because Beijing refuses trading with Taiwan-recognizing nations. Instead, shipments travel through Argentina and Brazil, reducing profits. Meanwhile, Chinese imports flood Paraguay, reaching a record $6 billion in 2025 according to official statistics.

Taipei has funded various projects including the parliament building and a university campus under construction. However, local research center CADEP found Paraguay’s Taiwan ties have produced only limited economic benefits. Public opinion may be changing: a recent Metro consultancy poll showed growing support for Chinese relations. Metro declined identifying who commissioned the survey.

Taiwan embassy officials in Asunción confirmed they’re actively lobbying against China through television appearances and inviting Colorado Party lawmakers to Taiwan.

Nevertheless, Beijing’s strategy appears effective with some officials.

“More people in parliament are already looking toward mainland China,” said lawmaker Vaesken, who plans returning to China this year. “Before long, Taiwan will end up like Hong Kong—it will become part of China, be annexed, and Paraguayans will be left with nothing.”