The Republic of China’s only ally in South America, Paraguay, President Paniagua is scheduled to visit Japan from the 19th to the 23rd of May and will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The two countries are in discussions to elevate their bilateral relationship to a “strategic partnership.” Paniagua recently told Japanese media that they will “continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan” in the future.
Paniagua, Santiago Peña Palacios, will attend Paraguay’s “National Day” event at the Osaka Expo in Japan, making this his first visit to the country from the 19th to the 23rd of May.
According to reports from Japan’s Nikkei newspaper, Japan and Paraguay are considering elevating their bilateral relationship to a “strategic partnership,” which is now in the final stages of negotiations. Paniagua’s visit to Japan is expected to result in an agreement with Prime Minister Ishiba on elevating the relationship between the two countries to a “strategic partnership.”
The governments of Japan and Paraguay are also expected to negotiate the establishment of a policy agreement framework involving officials from both countries. Additionally, it is anticipated that agreements to promote Japanese investment in Paraguay and measures for short-term visa-free stays will be signed.
It is reported that Paraguay is the only country in South America that maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The Japanese government views Paraguay as a country that shares democratic and rule of law values, seeking to establish friendly relations. In May of last year, the then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Paraguay and held talks with Paniagua, affirming the need for enhanced cooperation between Japan and Paraguay to uphold and strengthen the free and open international order.
According to Jiji Press, 46-year-old Paniagua stated in a recent interview with Jiji Press in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, that they will “continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan” in the future.
He said, “Paraguay is not a country easily influenced by China, so for Japan, it is a reliable partner.” He hopes that Japan and Paraguay can strengthen their bilateral relationship through investment and trade.
He also mentioned that next year marks the 90th anniversary of Japanese immigrants moving to Paraguay, considering inviting members of the Japanese imperial family to visit Paraguay.
During his visit, Paniagua is also scheduled to meet with Prince Fumihito Akishino, the younger brother of Emperor Naruhito of Japan, and attend Paraguay’s “National Day” event at the Osaka Expo on the 19th.
In Paraguay, the introduction of soybean cultivation by Japanese immigrants has been widespread, making Paraguay once the world’s third-largest soybean exporting country.
Paniagua stated during the interview, “The areas where Japanese people have settled are prosperous.” He believes that immigrants from Japan have contributed to the economic development of Paraguay.
Furthermore, Paniagua mentioned that when he worked at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he was responsible for African affairs and observed firsthand how China, under the pretext of development aid, expanded its influence in Africa. Due to China’s divisive tactics, the number of countries worldwide with formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan has decreased to 12 countries, with Paraguay also facing pressure from China to sever ties with Taiwan. However, he emphasized that they “will not easily believe in (China’s) false promises.”
Since the collapse of the dictatorship in Paraguay in 1989, more than 35 years have passed, and Paniagua expressed that “Paraguay wants to play a bigger role on the international stage” and “it is necessary for Paraguay to showcase its potential to the world.”
(Translated from CNA)