China has intensified efforts to build influence within Paraguay’s political class, aiming to persuade the South American nation to shift diplomatic recognition from longtime ally Taiwan to China.

The campaign has included all-expenses-paid trips for Paraguayan lawmakers and journalists to several Chinese cities, featuring luxury hotel stays, banquets and guided tours of major landmarks such as the Great Wall of China. Participants say Chinese officials repeatedly highlighted the economic opportunities Paraguay could gain by establishing diplomatic ties with Beijing.

Among those who visited China was opposition lawmaker Leidy Galeano, who said the experience convinced her that Paraguay risks missing out on major economic development by maintaining its longstanding relationship with Taiwan.

“With everything I saw there, I wanted the same for my country,” said Galeano, a member of the Yo Creo party, some of whose leaders have expressed openness toward stronger ties with Beijing.

With a population of about 6.4 million, Paraguay is Taiwan’s last remaining diplomatic ally in South America and one of only a dozen countries worldwide that still recognize Taipei instead of Beijing. If Paraguay were to switch allegiance, it would represent a symbolic victory for China in its long-running campaign to isolate Taiwan internationally.

However, President Santiago Peña has reaffirmed his government’s support for Taiwan, saying countries that abandoned Taipei in favor of Beijing have not necessarily benefited economically. Paraguay’s foreign ministry also stressed that relations with Taiwan are built on shared principles of democracy, freedom and human rights.

China’s growing outreach is taking place alongside renewed diplomatic efforts by both Taiwan and the United States. Earlier this year, Paraguay signed a defense agreement with the United States and participated in a White House summit on critical minerals under President Donald Trump’s administration.

According to interviews with lawmakers and journalists, at least 19 Paraguayan legislators and several media figures have visited China since late 2023, with the number of trips increasing sharply in the past year.

Another opposition lawmaker, Roya Torres, said Chinese hosts showcased advanced healthcare facilities and high-speed rail networks during a 2025 visit, suggesting that trade and investment opportunities would expand more rapidly if Paraguay switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing.

China’s foreign ministry denied lobbying efforts, describing the visits as normal “people-to-people exchanges.” Taiwan, however, accused Beijing of attempting to “poach” its diplomatic allies and said it is actively working to maintain ties with partner countries.

The competition for influence reflects broader geopolitical rivalry in Latin America, where China has expanded its presence through projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.

For Paraguay, the debate increasingly centers on economics. The country’s key exports—soybeans and beef—cannot be sold directly to China because Beijing does not trade with countries that recognize Taiwan. Instead, Paraguayan exports often pass through neighboring countries such as Brazil and Argentina, reducing profits.

Despite Taiwan funding projects such as government infrastructure and university facilities, some analysts say economic benefits have been limited. Recent surveys suggest public opinion in Paraguay may be gradually shifting toward opening diplomatic relations with China.

As Beijing continues its outreach and political divisions grow within Paraguay’s ruling and opposition parties, the future of the country’s longstanding alliance with Taiwan could become a key issue in upcoming political battles.