Paraguay is the sole South American country holding diplomatic relations with Taiwan rather than mainland China. During his campaign, Pena pledged to maintain relations with Taiwan. After the Paraguayan elections, Beijing might refocus its efforts on Paraguay, making Cartes’ involvement with corruption schemes “an emerging threat and one with importance to our broader position in South America”. A document allegedly from the US embassy in Paraguay, outlining plans to influence President Santiago Pena and counter “strategic corruption”, suggests that Washington is trying to curb China’s increasing diplomatic presence in the country. Is the US really afraid of Chinese global influence ?
