The spokesman expressed that this principle is a basic rule of international relations that safeguards China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and there is no room for negotiation or compromise in this regard.

“We urge Paraguay to adopt a precise and complete understanding of the one-China principle, recognize historical trends, and align itself with the majority of countries and international justice,” he stressed.

According to Lin, this is the only way the country “will be able to make decisions to benefit the fundamental and long-term interests of its people.” The spokesman’s remarks come after Ramirez expressed Paraguay’s willingness to establish diplomatic and trade relations with Beijing, without distancing itself from Taiwan.

Paraguay is among a dozen countries that still maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a minuscule number compared to the 183 nations, including the United States, that back Beijing.

jrr/arm/mem/id