Paraguay says it will defend ties with Taiwan, host its president
President Santiago Peña hosted Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung, during a visit to Asunción with a delegation of around 30 business leaders.
"Paraguay is ready to defend this 68-year relationship, which is based on democratic principles and values, with all its strength and with a loud voice," Peña said, adding that Taiwan has been "tremendously generous" with its investments in his country.
"We do not disregard China, but we recognise the self-determination of the people of Taiwan," he added, noting that Paraguay hopes to move to "a higher level of collaboration" with Taiwan.
Lai, Peña announced at an investment forum, will visit Paraguay in 30 days.
Among those in attendance Monday were Terry Tsao, a senior executive at semiconductor company SEMI, as well as representatives from Taiwan's IT, communications, smart transportation, agriculture, construction and building industries.
Taiwan is a global chip powerhouse, producing more than half of the world's semiconductors — vital for powering the latest generative Artificial Intelligence models.
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