TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Paraguayan President Santiago Pena said on Monday that President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) is preparing for a visit next month, potentially including transit stops in the US that may upset China, per Reuters.
Paraguay is one of 12 countries to have diplomatic ties with Taiwan and the only country in South America. Visits to this area by Taiwan’s heads of state generally involve stopovers in the US due to the vast distance.
Pena announced the visit by Lai at a bilateral investment conference between Taiwan and Paraguay in the capital city of Asuncion. "We are preparing anxiously and with much affection to receive President Lai in 30 days," Pena told the conference.
Lai's foreign trip may include visits to Belize and Guatemala in Central America, with potential transit stops in New York and Dallas, according to UDN. The trip would be Lai's second overseas visit since taking office as president.
Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui (郭雅慧) did not confirm or deny inquiries about Lai's itinerary on Tuesday. Kuo said according to protocol, an announcement will only be made after arrangements are confirmed, with the public informed in due course.
Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) visited both New York and Dallas last week, and is currently on a visit to Paraguay, Guatemala, and Belize to introduce Taiwan's agricultural products to the local areas. Many believe this is a precursor to Lai's visit.
Lin also attended the conference when the Paraguayan President Santiago Pena announced Lai's visit.
Taiwan has lost several allies in the region in favor of relations with China. Paraguay, however, has been a steadfast supporter of Taiwan.
For example, Paraguay canceled a Chinese diplomat's visa and ordered him to leave the country in December after the envoy lobbied lawmakers to change Paraguay's 67-year relationship with Taiwan, per Reuters.
Paraguay's foreign ministry accused Xu Wei (徐偉) of "interference in domestic affairs," while Taiwan's embassy supported the charge that he was actively undermining Paraguay-Taiwan relations.
