Latest news with #OrganizationofAmericanStates
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Experts warn of China deals, urge Paraguay to defend sovereignty
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, June 2 (UPI) -- Regional officials, diplomats and analysts warned of China's growing influence in Latin America and urged Paraguay to safeguard its democratic sovereignty as it considers potential economic agreements with Beijing. Since 2020, China has become South America's top trading partner, actively promoting investment and cooperation agreements that expand its influence in the region. This comes as policies by the Trump administration -- such as tariff hikes, mass deportations and threats to reclaim control of the Panama Canal -- have compromised the United States' historic dominance in Latin America. At an international forum in Asunción titled "Paraguay and New Economic Opportunities: The Role of Sovereignty in the Face of China," speakers from several countries warned of the political and economic risks of closer ties with China. The event last week was organized by the Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada, a Paraguayan think tank focused on governance and development. Panamanian international law expert Alonso Illueca emphasized the importance of Latin American countries maintaining foreign policy principles rooted in transparency, human rights and democratic institutions. "We cannot negotiate away our freedoms or democracy," Illueca said. He warned that China is advancing an "alternative regional order" that rejects traditional standards of democratic governance promoted by organizations like the Organization of American States. "China promotes a system more tolerant of authoritarian practices and opaque agreements," Illueca said, adding that Beijing uses tools like U.N. Resolution 2758 to diplomatically isolate Taiwan. "Its goal is to weaken Taiwan's presence in the region, and Paraguay is one of its priorities." Resolution 2758, which was adopted in 1971, recognizes the People's Republic of China as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations" and expelled the representatives from Taiwan from the world body. Paraguayan economist Jorge Garicoche said the country should not bow to foreign pressure or align its trade policy with external geopolitical agendas. Paraguay should use its unique position in the region to negotiate from a place of institutional strength, Garicoche said. "Trade alliances should be a lever for sustainable development, not mechanisms of dependency." José Altamirano, director of the institute, said "Paraguay has the ability to shape its international role without abandoning its principles. That is the foundation for real development." He said the forum in Asunción sought to create a pluralistic space to discuss the need for a foreign policy aligned with the country's democratic values. Bolivian Sen. Centa Rek shared her country's experience signing agreements with Chinese firms, which she described as harmful and lacking in transparency. She cited a road project in Yamparáez, Sucre, as an example of poor-quality infrastructure built by a Chinese contractor. "We need to ensure our neighbors don't repeat our mistakes," Rek said. In Peru, the coastal city of Marcona has seen a surge in Chinese investment. Retired Adm. Carlos Gamarra, a Peruvian expert on defense and geopolitics, pointed to the area as a cautionary tale of weakened state control over foreign ventures. "Local communities can't build housing or public infrastructure because large parts of the land are owned by Chinese companies," Gamarra said. He called for stricter environmental regulations, greater oversight and clearer rules to safeguard national autonomy. Paraguay is one of the few South American countries that maintains full diplomatic relations with Taiwan -- a position that experts say gives it strategic leverage that should it should not give up lightly. "Paraguay must use its sovereignty to build strategic partnerships beyond China," said Gustavo Nakamura, director of the Center for Public Policy Innovation in Peru, during the event that also featured Taiwan's ambassador to Paraguay, José Chih-Cheng Han, and former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno. "Paraguay shouldn't let economic temptation override its core values," said Argentine political scientist Marcos Falcone of Fundación Libertad. "There's a difference between trading and surrendering." As geopolitical competition intensifies in Latin America, panelists concluded that the real choice is not just between markets, but between models of governance -- and Paraguay, they said, has the opportunity to set an example.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Experts warn of China deals, urge Paraguay to defend sovereignty
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, June 2 (UPI) -- Regional officials, diplomats and analysts warned of China's growing influence in Latin America and urged Paraguay to safeguard its democratic sovereignty as it considers potential economic agreements with Beijing. Since 2020, China has become South America's top trading partner, actively promoting investment and cooperation agreements that expand its influence in the region. This comes as policies by the Trump administration -- such as tariff hikes, mass deportations and threats to reclaim control of the Panama Canal -- have compromised the United States' historic dominance in Latin America. At an international forum in Asunción titled "Paraguay and New Economic Opportunities: The Role of Sovereignty in the Face of China," speakers from several countries warned of the political and economic risks of closer ties with China. The event last week was organized by the Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada, a Paraguayan think tank focused on governance and development. Panamanian international law expert Alonso Illueca emphasized the importance of Latin American countries maintaining foreign policy principles rooted in transparency, human rights and democratic institutions. "We cannot negotiate away our freedoms or democracy," Illueca said. He warned that China is advancing an "alternative regional order" that rejects traditional standards of democratic governance promoted by organizations like the Organization of American States. "China promotes a system more tolerant of authoritarian practices and opaque agreements," Illueca said, adding that Beijing uses tools like U.N. Resolution 2758 to diplomatically isolate Taiwan. "Its goal is to weaken Taiwan's presence in the region, and Paraguay is one of its priorities." Resolution 2758, which was adopted in 1971, recognizes the People's Republic of China as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations" and expelled the representatives from Taiwan from the world body. Paraguayan economist Jorge Garicoche said the country should not bow to foreign pressure or align its trade policy with external geopolitical agendas. Paraguay should use its unique position in the region to negotiate from a place of institutional strength, Garicoche said. "Trade alliances should be a lever for sustainable development, not mechanisms of dependency." José Altamirano, director of the institute, said "Paraguay has the ability to shape its international role without abandoning its principles. That is the foundation for real development." He said the forum in Asunción sought to create a pluralistic space to discuss the need for a foreign policy aligned with the country's democratic values. Bolivian Sen. Centa Rek shared her country's experience signing agreements with Chinese firms, which she described as harmful and lacking in transparency. She cited a road project in Yamparáez, Sucre, as an example of poor-quality infrastructure built by a Chinese contractor. "We need to ensure our neighbors don't repeat our mistakes," Rek said. In Peru, the coastal city of Marcona has seen a surge in Chinese investment. Retired Adm. Carlos Gamarra, a Peruvian expert on defense and geopolitics, pointed to the area as a cautionary tale of weakened state control over foreign ventures. "Local communities can't build housing or public infrastructure because large parts of the land are owned by Chinese companies," Gamarra said. He called for stricter environmental regulations, greater oversight and clearer rules to safeguard national autonomy. Paraguay is one of the few South American countries that maintains full diplomatic relations with Taiwan -- a position that experts say gives it strategic leverage that should it should not give up lightly. "Paraguay must use its sovereignty to build strategic partnerships beyond China," said Gustavo Nakamura, director of the Center for Public Policy Innovation in Peru, during the event that also featured Taiwan's ambassador to Paraguay, José Chih-Cheng Han, and former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno. "Paraguay shouldn't let economic temptation override its core values," said Argentine political scientist Marcos Falcone of Fundación Libertad. "There's a difference between trading and surrendering." As geopolitical competition intensifies in Latin America, panelists concluded that the real choice is not just between markets, but between models of governance -- and Paraguay, they said, has the opportunity to set an example. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
UPI
a day ago
- Business
- UPI
Experts warn of China deals, urge Paraguay to defend sovereignty
1 of 2 | At an international forum last week in Asunción titled 'Paraguay and New Economic Opportunities: The Role of Sovereignty in the Face of China,' speakers from several countries warned of the political and economic risks of closer ties with the Asian nation. Photo by Lady Falcon/Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, June 2 (UPI) -- Regional officials, diplomats and analysts warned of China's growing influence in Latin America and urged Paraguay to safeguard its democratic sovereignty as it considers potential economic agreements with Beijing. Since 2020, China has become South America's top trading partner, actively promoting investment and cooperation agreements that expand its influence in the region. This comes as policies by the Trump administration -- such as tariff hikes, mass deportations and threats to reclaim control of the Panama Canal -- have compromised the United States' historic dominance in Latin America. At an international forum in Asunción titled "Paraguay and New Economic Opportunities: The Role of Sovereignty in the Face of China," speakers from several countries warned of the political and economic risks of closer ties with China. The event last week was organized by the Instituto de Desarrollo del Pensamiento Patria Soñada, a Paraguayan think tank focused on governance and development. Panamanian international law expert Alonso Illueca emphasized the importance of Latin American countries maintaining foreign policy principles rooted in transparency, human rights and democratic institutions. "We cannot negotiate away our freedoms or democracy," Illueca said. He warned that China is advancing an "alternative regional order" that rejects traditional standards of democratic governance promoted by organizations like the Organization of American States. "China promotes a system more tolerant of authoritarian practices and opaque agreements," Illueca said, adding that Beijing uses tools like U.N. Resolution 2758 to diplomatically isolate Taiwan. "Its goal is to weaken Taiwan's presence in the region, and Paraguay is one of its priorities." Resolution 2758, which was adopted in 1971, recognizes the People's Republic of China as "the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations" and expelled the representatives from Taiwan from the world body. Paraguayan economist Jorge Garicoche said the country should not bow to foreign pressure or align its trade policy with external geopolitical agendas. Paraguay should use its unique position in the region to negotiate from a place of institutional strength, Garicoche said. "Trade alliances should be a lever for sustainable development, not mechanisms of dependency." José Altamirano, director of the institute, said "Paraguay has the ability to shape its international role without abandoning its principles. That is the foundation for real development." He said the forum in Asunción sought to create a pluralistic space to discuss the need for a foreign policy aligned with the country's democratic values. Bolivian Sen. Centa Rek shared her country's experience signing agreements with Chinese firms, which she described as harmful and lacking in transparency. She cited a road project in Yamparáez, Sucre, as an example of poor-quality infrastructure built by a Chinese contractor. "We need to ensure our neighbors don't repeat our mistakes," Rek said. In Peru, the coastal city of Marcona has seen a surge in Chinese investment. Retired Adm. Carlos Gamarra, a Peruvian expert on defense and geopolitics, pointed to the area as a cautionary tale of weakened state control over foreign ventures. "Local communities can't build housing or public infrastructure because large parts of the land are owned by Chinese companies," Gamarra said. He called for stricter environmental regulations, greater oversight and clearer rules to safeguard national autonomy. Paraguay is one of the few South American countries that maintains full diplomatic relations with Taiwan -- a position that experts say gives it strategic leverage that should it should not give up lightly. "Paraguay must use its sovereignty to build strategic partnerships beyond China," said Gustavo Nakamura, director of the Center for Public Policy Innovation in Peru, during the event that also featured Taiwan's ambassador to Paraguay, José Chih-Cheng Han, and former Ecuadorian President Lenín Moreno. "Paraguay shouldn't let economic temptation override its core values," said Argentine political scientist Marcos Falcone of Fundación Libertad. "There's a difference between trading and surrendering." As geopolitical competition intensifies in Latin America, panelists concluded that the real choice is not just between markets, but between models of governance -- and Paraguay, they said, has the opportunity to set an example.
Epoch Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Rubio Backs Rosa María Payá's Nomination as IACHR Commissioner
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 29 expressed his support for Rosa María Payá Acevedo's candidacy for commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the main body of the Organization of American States (OAS). Payá, a Cuban activist and daughter of Oswaldo Payá, a Cuban leader of the Christian Liberation Movement who died in 2012, was by Rubio in March to be the new head of the IACHR.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Why the OAS can't afford to be neutral on democracy in Latin America
When leaders of international organizations proclaim neutrality, it may sound statesmanlike. However, in many parts of the world not taking sides is the equivalent of siding with dictators. This is certainly true in Latin America, which is why statements from Albert Ramdin, who next week becomes Secretary General of the Washington, D.C.-based Organization of American States (OAS), are troubling especially to South Florida residents, many of whom have fled dictatorships. Ramdin feels the OAS 'must not become a force that takes sides,' when referring to the region's challenges in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, are troubling to anyone who cares about democracy, human rights and rule of law. The election of Ramdin, championed by China and member countries like Brazil, Colombia and Mexico that favor dialogue with dictators, brings a new, troubling approach to the OAS. While the new Secretary-General may try to adopt a position perceived as balanced, there seems to be confusion between ideological neutrality that avoids selectivity and clarity on the principles that the OAS is mandated to uphold. This means that contrary to what Ramdin said, the OAS not only can take sides, it must do so. The core documents of the OAS were adopted to establish the values of the multilateral framework in the hemisphere. Article 2 of the OAS Charter enshrined the promotion of democracy as a key purpose of the organization. In September 2001, the OAS adopted the Inter-American Democratic Charter, a comprehensive instrument to strengthen and protect democracy in the Americas. It established mechanisms that compel the organization to act when there is a serious alteration of the constitutional order that impairs democratic governance in a member-State. This last provision is especially important: The OAS charter only mentioned constitutional interruptions through the use of force, which doesn't reflect the modern challenge of democratic erosion and progressive autocratization by regimes that were originally democratically elected. Despite the existence of this framework, democracy faces tremendous pressure in the region, with several countries sliding into hybrid regimes with decreasing institutional quality. Favoring dialogue with dictators appears to be a sort of contestation to those efforts, under the apparent guise of a more balanced and non-selective approach. There lies the root of the problem, one that confuses evenness with a softer strategy that recognizes the tyrants. So what would an 'even' approach actually look like? Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela represent examples of authoritarian states identified with left-wing ideologies. They are the most oppressive regimes on the continent, responsible for grave and systematic human rights violations. The focus that the OAS has had on these regimes during Almagro's tenure is hardly arbitrary, but rather one that reflects the most serious and pressing challenges regarding the protection and promotion of democracy, based on the norms of the OAS. Yet, assaults on democracy are hardly exclusive to the left. The right-wing government of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, for example, has engaged in some of the most notorious attacks on democratic institutions in the region since the rise of Ortega in Nicaragua and Chávez in Venezuela. With military coups largely a thing of the past in the Americas, the OAS must put its attention to this type of democratic erosion, serving as an early warning system that calls out member countries when they undermine democratic norms and institutions. It is in this area that Secretary-General Ramdin could find the balance that he seeks, not one that underestimates the urgency of the region's major crises, but one that is able to point out threats to democracy no matter where they emerge, in which stage they are, or who causes them. Ramdin's call to dialogue thus is a double-edged sword. While it may open channels of communication, it risks catering to the dictators and their efforts to cling to power. Member states must insist that Ramdin uphold the OAS' own norms and principles which mandate the organization, its authorities and especially its Secretary-General to take a side. That side can only be the side of democracy and human rights faced against tyranny and oppression. Ezequiel Podjarny is a legal and policy fellow at the Human Rights Foundation.
