Former Japanese Ambassador Nakatani Yoshie disclosed that China pressured Paraguay to sever ties with Taiwan in exchange for COVID vaccines. Despite China’s attempts and intense local protests, Paraguay maintained its stance and procured vaccines from other countries. Nakatani commended the collaborative diplomatic efforts of Taiwan, the US, and Japan in supporting Paraguay during this crisis.
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Nakatani Yoshie, the former Japanese Ambassador to Paraguay, revealed that China utilized COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy to pressure Asuncion into severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan. In an interview with Sankei Shimbun, she explained that during the pandemic, China prioritized providing vaccines to countries aligned with its diplomatic relations, thereby contributing to Paraguay’s low vaccination rates.
Nakatani detailed that China proposed supplying Paraguay with affordable vaccines, contingent on the country abandoning its ties with Taiwan. The Paraguayan government firmly rejected this demand, maintaining its diplomatic relations. Additionally, China adjusted its strategy by influencing local government officials, although these efforts were hindered by national procurement regulations.
Amidst this tension, significant anti-government protests erupted across Paraguay, fueled by dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the vaccine situation. Protesters vocalized demands for a leadership change, criticizing the government’s failure to secure vaccines amid the pandemic. Nakatani noted that the protests were so intense that foreign diplomats were concerned about the government’s stability.
Despite immense pressure, Paraguay successfully acquired vaccines from Chile and other nations, which Nakatani praised, saying, “Paraguay is a truly admirable country.” She highlighted her collaboration with Taiwanese diplomats during this period, emphasizing the limited recognition Taiwan receives from countries globally, with only 12 official diplomatic relations.
Nakatani praised Taiwan’s diplomatic team for their expertise in intelligence-gathering and analysis. As tensions with China intensified, she collaborated with US and Taiwanese ambassadors to create support initiatives for Paraguay. Despite vaccine shortages, the US provided medical supplies and established makeshift medical facilities, while Taiwan supplied essential medical equipment.
In addition, Nakatani noted Japan’s contributions alongside UNICEF, which included setting up vaccine refrigeration units and training human resources in vaccine management. Ultimately, Japan, the US, and Taiwan worked together to bolster Paraguay’s healthcare system, which Nakatani termed “a diplomatic initiative unique to Paraguay.”
In summary, the former Japanese ambassador to Paraguay, Nakatani Yoshie, described China’s coercive tactics during the pandemic to leverage vaccine supplies against Paraguay’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Paraguay resisted this pressure, successfully securing vaccines from other nations while maintaining ties with Taiwan. The collaborative support from Taiwan, the US, and Japan played a crucial role in bolstering Paraguay’s healthcare system amid significant challenges.
Original Source: www.taiwannews.com.tw
