WorldApril 30, 2026

Paraguay, Taiwan and China: A Close Look at a Diplomatic Crossroad

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Key Vocabulary

diplomatic/ˌdɪp.ləˈmæt.ɪk/

related to official relations between countries

"They use diplomatic talks to solve problems."

visit/ˈvɪz.ɪt/

to go to a place for a short time

"She will visit the city next week."

protect/prəˈtɛkt/

to keep safe

"They will protect the long friendship."

Listening

Paraguay, Taiwan and China: A Close Look at a Diplomatic Crossroad

Paraguay is one of about a dozen countries that still have official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The two countries have had a formal relationship since 1957 and they work together on trade and development projects. Many people in Paraguay know Taiwan for help with schools and roads.

But China has been trying to win friends in Paraguay with visits and offers of business. Some Paraguayan politicians took trips to China and saw new projects there. The Paraguayan president and foreign ministry say the country will not abandon its ties with Taiwan and will protect the long friendship. This issue is a topic in Paraguayan politics and business.

107 words

Quiz

1. With which place does Paraguay have official diplomatic ties?

2. Since when have Paraguay and Taiwan had a formal relationship?

3. What does Paraguay's president and foreign ministry say the country will not do?

Reading Practice

Read the article from the Listening section aloud. Your AI teacher will give you pronunciation feedback.

Discussion

Do you have a long friendship that you want to protect? Why?

Have you ever visited a country that surprised you? What happened?

Do you think business or friendships are more important when countries decide who to work with?