Taiwan Says Paraguay's Political Turmoil Won't Hurt Bilateral Ties
Taiwan says its alliance with Paraguay is intact despite a financial crisis that just toppled the country's president, though the new leader's planned Taiwan trip is now on hold — a minor setback, not a real blow to the relationship.
- Paraguay's Ueno Bank collapsed, sparking a financial crisis that forced President Santiago Peña to resign; Vice President Pedro Alliana has taken over.
- Alliana was due to visit Taiwan in late November, but Taiwan confirms the trip is postponed while he deals with the crisis at home; a new date will be set later.
- Taiwan's foreign ministry says Alliana is a longtime, vocal supporter of Taiwan from his time as House speaker and vice president, so the relationship isn't at risk.
- Separately, Taiwan has paused expanded trade talks with Malaysia after Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said Taiwan is part of China, warning the remark could hurt Taiwanese investors' confidence there.
Outlook: Taiwan expects to reschedule the Paraguay visit once the new president settles in, while the Malaysia trade freeze continues until Kuala Lumpur addresses Taipei's concerns.