Between shared values, economic cooperation and bold geopolitical choices, the alliance between Taipei and Asunción is confirmed as one of the most significant in the South American context. A relationship that definitely goes beyond diplomacy and is rooted in history.

A rare, but strong and solid friendship

Worldwide, only a handful of countries maintain official diplomatic relations with Taiwan. In South America, there is only one: Paraguay. An exception that says a lot, indeed a great deal, especially today, at a time when pressure from China is forcing many governments to review their alliances. Yet, Asunción resists. The recent speech by President Santiago Peña, who called Taiwan an ‘important ally’ and ‘sincere friend’, reaffirmed how the bond between the two countries is more relevant than ever.

Relationships that speak of values

Peña’s words are not mere diplomatic formalities. During an important speech in a meeting with his ministers, the Paraguayan leader wanted to emphasise that the relationship with Taipei is based on ‘shared values’, including the defence of democracy, transparency and respect for sovereignty. In Guaraní, Paraguay’s co-official language, it could be said that Taiwan and Paraguay share a ñemongueta joaju – a ‘joint dialogue’ based on trust and mutual respect.

Taipei, for its part, reaffirmed its commitment with investments in the fields of agriculture, health and technology training. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung recalled that cooperation is not only economic, but also cultural and institutional, geared towards joint development.

A clear preference: Taipei and not Beijing

For Paraguay, choosing Taiwan also means not giving in to Chinese temptation. Beijing often offers loans and investments in exchange for diplomatic recognition, but Asunción has always chosen the path that is less easy but more consistent with its values. This is not mere ideological obstinacy: it is a conscious choice, aimed at maintaining autonomy and international dignity.

For Taipei, Paraguay is much more than an ally: it is a strategic partner in the entire Latin American region. A decisive presence that strengthens its international legitimacy, in a continent where relations with Beijing are expanding. As Peña said, ‘even small countries can be major global players’.

A history that goes back in time

The roots of this friendship go back to 1957. Paraguay, then under the conservative government of Alfredo Stroessner, was among the first to recognise the Republic of China as a legitimate government. It was not just an ideological choice. The alliance brought concrete benefits, such as privileged access to Taiwanese electronic products, which were then resold to neighbouring countries. That collaboration created an economic model that still leaves quite evident traces today.

Towards the future, a symbolic visit by President Lai to Paraguay

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s upcoming trip to Paraguay – and probable stopovers in the United States – is a political signal of great importance. Not only to reaffirm the centrality of bilateral ties, but also to reiterate that Taiwan, despite its enforced isolation, is still capable of building bridges, finding allies and defending its sovereignty. And you know, it is an arduous task for a Taiwanese president to set foot outside his own country, and this trip to Asunción is therefore tinged with added importance for Taiwan-Paraguay relations.

And if it is true that in today’s world, alliances are more decisive than ever in the alignments of the global chessboard, Paraguay confirms itself as angirũ añetete – a ‘true friend’ – for Taiwan. And the strength of this relationship proves that diplomacy is not merely a matter of a country’s size and strength, but, rather, a respect for the relationship and why not, even the friendship that can exist between two countries.