July 1st, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiaqun presided over a regular press conference.
AFP reporter asked that Paraguay's Foreign Minister said yesterday that Paraguay is open to trading with China, as long as contact with Taiwan region is not interrupted. What is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' comment on this?
“The Chinese side has repeatedly stated its stance on relevant issues.” Guo Jia Kun said that the government and leaders of Paraguay should follow historical currents and people's wishes, to step onto the right side of history as soon as possible, standing with the vast majority of countries in the international community. They should make correct decisions that are consistent with their nation’s fundamental interests and long-term interests. Don't isolate themselves again.
The Southern Common Market (Mercosur) held a summit in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, on June 30. Paraguayan Foreign Minister Ruben Ramirez said during the meeting: "Paraguay does not reject establishing trade relations with China, provided that it does not involve the existing and ongoing 'diplomatic relations' between Paraguay and Taiwan."
He also added: "If conditions were like this, we have no restrictions whatsoever."
Currently, only 12 countries worldwide still maintain so-called “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan region. Paraguay is the only country in South America that maintains such relations, and it is also the only country within the Southern Common Market that does not have diplomatic relations with China. The members of the Southern Common Market include Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
Previously, Paraguayan President Peña visited Taiwan from May 7 to 10. On the 8th, he met with Lai Ching-te in Taipei and signed several ‘cooperation agreements’. At that time, the Chinese side stated: ‘We advise the Paraguayan authorities to stand on the correct side of history as soon as possible, and make the right choice of recognizing the one-China principle and severing so-called ‘diplomatic relations’ with the Taiwanese authorities.’
