Latest news with #Resolution2758
Yahoo
5 days 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
5 days 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
5 days 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
07-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Taiwanese Officials and Community Leaders in California Urge WHO to Include Taiwan
In a joint press conference held on May 3, more than a dozen Taiwan-affiliated government and community organizations in Northern California called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to allow Taiwan's participation. The event, hosted at the Culture Center of the San Francisco Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Milpitas, was held ahead of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) scheduled to take place May 19–27 in Geneva. TECO is the de facto embassy of Taiwan's government in the United States. The WHA, the WHO's highest decision-making body, has excluded Taiwan from participation since 2017 amid political pressure from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). At the May 3 event, Taiwanese officials and community leaders challenged Beijing's narrative and urged the international community to uphold inclusivity in global health governance. 'China has long distorted U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution WHA25.1 on the international stage,' Jenny Guo, head of the press division at the San Francisco TECO, said at the conference. 'Neither resolution mentions Taiwan or states that Taiwan is part of China. Nor do they authorize the People's Republic of China to represent Taiwan in the WHO.' Resolution 2758 was passed by the United Nations during its 1,976th plenary meeting in October 1971, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China at the United Nations, but it does not mention Taiwan directly. All subsequent decisions by U.N. agencies, including WHA Resolution WHA25.1, have been in line with Resolution 2758. Related Stories 5/6/2025 4/22/2025 The CCP has stated that Resolution 2758 affirms Taiwan as part of China. In response, the Taiwan International Solidarity Act ( The Act states: 'Resolution 2758 (XXVI) established the representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China as the only lawful representatives of China to the United Nations. The resolution did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the United Nations or any related organizations, nor did the resolution take a position on the relationship between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan or include any statement pertaining to Taiwan's sovereignty.' In 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law Guo said the WHO's 14th General Programme of Work ( She also criticized the WHO for continually violating the U.N. Charter's principle of 'leave no one behind' by excluding Taiwan. Sophia Chuang, director of the Culture Center in Milpitas, said at the press conference that health is a fundamental human right and Taiwan should not be excluded from the WHO. She noted that the U.S. government has already initiated withdrawal from the WHO. She said that is partly because 'the WHA has lost its function as a platform for broad-based collaboration' and 'has become politically compromised by some member states ... which is also why Taiwan has been excluded.' President Donald Trump officially announced the U.S. Dr. Jiin T. Lin, former president of the Northern California Taiwanese American Medical Association, moderated the news conference and noted that although the United States has announced its intention to leave the WHO, the withdrawal process takes a year to complete. Therefore, the United States will still participate in the WHO this year and will continue to support Taiwan's inclusion in the coming WHA.
CNA
30-04-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Taiwan says Somalia blocks entry to island's passport holders
TAIPEI: Somalia began blocking entry to Taiwan passport holders on Wednesday (Apr 30), the island said, alleging China had pressured the East African country to curb travel by Taiwanese people to the region. The move comes as Taiwan, a self-ruled island claimed by China, forges closer ties with the breakaway African region Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Taiwan and Somaliland swapped de facto embassies in 2020 and have found common ground as thriving democracies that remain mostly unrecognised by the wider world. Somalia's civil aviation authority had told airlines that Taiwanese passports "will no longer be valid for entry into or transit through the Federal Republic of Somalia" from Apr 30, Taiwan's foreign ministry said in a statement late on Tuesday. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly protested Somalia's action made under the instigation of China to restrict the travel freedom and safety of Taiwanese nationals and has demanded that the Somali government immediately revoke the notice," it said. The ministry said it also "firmly rejected and strongly condemned Somali government's misinterpretation of (UN) Resolution 2758 and its attempt to link it to the so-called 'one China principle' to create the false impression that Taiwan is part of the People's Republic of China". Beijing welcomed the ban, saying on Wednesday that China "highly appreciates" it. The move was a "legitimate measure" that "reflects Somalia's firm adherence to the one-China principle", Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a regular press conference, while pledging Beijing's support for Mogadishu's claim to Somaliland. Taiwan, under its official name the Republic of China, lost its United Nations seat to China in 1971, a year before it was evicted from the World Health Organization. China insists Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring the democratic island under its control. Beijing has sought to erase Taipei from the international stage by systematically poaching its diplomatic allies and blocking it from global forums. Only 11 countries and the Vatican recognise Taiwan's claim to statehood, though many countries, including the US, maintain close unofficial ties with Taipei.
