NEW YORK — Paraguayan President Santiago Peña delivered a strong message of support for Taiwan at the United Nations on Wednesday, calling for the island’s “full and meaningful participation” in the UN system while warning that instability in the Taiwan Strait could have consequences far beyond East Asia.
Speaking during the 81st UN General Assembly, Peña said Paraguay was not neutral on the Taiwan issue and reaffirmed his country’s long-standing diplomatic relationship with Taipei.
He also described Taiwan’s exclusion from the UN system as a problem for the organization, arguing that Taiwan has contributions to make in areas including peace, development and human rights.
Peña links Taiwan tensions to global economy
Peña’s remarks went beyond diplomacy.
He warned that a conflict in the Taiwan Strait could affect Japan, East and Southeast Asia and the wider global economy, particularly because of Taiwan’s importance to the semiconductor industry.
The Paraguayan leader compared the importance of microchips in the 21st century with the role of oil in the previous century, highlighting the potential economic consequences of disruption to semiconductor supply chains.
Reuters independently reported that Peña used his UN address to reaffirm Paraguay’s support for Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
Paraguay remains Taiwan’s diplomatic ally
Paraguay is Taiwan’s only remaining formal diplomatic ally in South America, making Peña’s comments particularly significant for Taipei’s efforts to maintain international support.
Taiwan and Paraguay have maintained diplomatic relations for nearly seven decades. Reuters reported that Peña reaffirmed that relationship during his UN speech, while CNA noted that he has repeatedly supported Taiwan’s international participation in previous UN General Assembly addresses.
Taiwan’s government has also been conducting its annual campaign for greater participation in the UN system. In September, Taiwan’s foreign ministry said it was seeking inclusion in UN-related organizations and arguing that its exclusion should not be based on an interpretation of UN Resolution 2758 that Taipei disputes.
The Taiwan Strait issue gains wider international attention
Peña’s comments come amid heightened international attention on Taiwan Strait stability.
In recent days, the United States, Japan and South Korea have also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations and emphasized the importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait. Reuters reported that the three countries issued the statement ahead of a scheduled Trump-Xi summit.
At the same time, China continues to oppose Taiwan’s participation in international organizations where statehood is a requirement and maintains that Taiwan is part of China. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
The competing positions have made Taiwan’s international status one of the most sensitive issues in relations between Beijing and Washington.
Why semiconductors are central to the discussion
Taiwan’s importance to the global technology industry gives the Taiwan Strait issue an economic dimension.
Taiwan is a major producer of advanced semiconductors used in smartphones, computers, automobiles, data centers and artificial-intelligence systems. Any major disruption to manufacturing or shipping routes could therefore affect companies and supply chains well beyond the region.
Peña used that economic reality to argue that Taiwan Strait stability should not be viewed solely as a regional political issue.
His warning comes as governments and businesses worldwide are already paying closer attention to semiconductor supply-chain resilience because of the growing importance of AI and advanced computing.
A diplomatic message with wider implications
Peña’s address does not change Taiwan’s status at the United Nations, but it puts Paraguay’s position clearly on record during a week when Taiwan’s international participation and Strait stability are receiving renewed attention.
For Taipei, continued statements from diplomatic partners and other governments provide political support for its campaign for greater participation in international institutions.
For the wider international community, Peña’s remarks underline a central concern surrounding the Taiwan Strait: developments there could have consequences not only for regional security but also for technology, trade and global supply chains.
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