Paraguay expels Chinese envoy over Taiwan 'interference'

Diplomat allegedly recorded urging lawmakers to choose between Beijing and Taipei

20241205N taiwan paraguay REU

The flag of Paraguay is seen on a car in Taichung, Taiwan, during a visit by Paraguayan President-elect Santiago Pena Palacios, on July 14, 2023. © Reuters

ASUNCION (Reuters) -- Paraguay canceled a low-level Chinese diplomat's visa and ordered him to leave the country, Paraguay's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, after the envoy appeared to push lawmakers to reconsider Paraguay's friendly relationship with Taiwan.

The Foreign Ministry accused Xu Wei of "interference in domestic affairs," while the Taiwanese Embassy in the country accused him of having "infiltrated" Paraguay to try to undermine its relationship with Chinese-claimed Taiwan.

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