There are always some countries who like to repeatedly test China's bottom line issue.

Paraguay also began to be dishonest and took the initiative to invite Lai Ching-te to visit, repeating the old Lithuanian drama.

While enjoying the dividends, challenge China's bottom line.

The friendship of 68 years finally feeds the dog.

According to reports from the island media, Lai Ching-te originally planned to visit three so-called diplomatic countries, Paraguay, Guatemala and Belize, in August, and "transit" New York and Dallas along the way.

In mid-July, when Lin Jialong, head of Taiwan's foreign affairs department, visited Paraguay, Paraguayan President Peña publicly stated that he hoped that the two countries could have higher-level cooperation. This seems to be an hinting that Paraguay intends to invite Lai Ching-te to visit.

However, on July 28, the United States refused to allow Lai Ching-te to transit through New York.

Lai Ching-te's office announced that he would not visit in the near future due to Tainan wind disaster, tariffs on the US and some other issues, and the original visit plan was forced to be cancelled.

Although the visit plan has been cancelled, Paraguay's attitude has already made China feel heartbroken.

After all, Paraguay has gained tangible economic benefits through cooperation with China in the past few years.

My current behavior is simply to eat Chinese food and throw Chinese pot.

In the first half of 2024, China-Pakistan trade volume reached US$1.26 billion. China's import of soybeans and beef from Paraguay promoted the growth of Paraguay's agricultural industry chain.

Not only has it brought economic dividends to Paraguay, it has also helped it transform through technical cooperation.

Hangzhou University of Electronic Science and Technology promotes digital agriculture, and Chinese brands such as BYD popularize new energy vehicles in Paraguay to drive environmental protection and employment.

China has enhanced the productivity of Paraguayan farmers through technical training and participated in indirect cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Helped Paraguay reduce the cost of transporting agricultural products.

Provides tangible economic benefits to Paraguay.

After getting so many bonuses, I chose back pricks just like Lithuania back then.

China is Lithuania's largest trading partner in Asia, especially in the export of agricultural products. Lithuanian's cheese, wood, beef and other commodities occupy an important position in the Chinese market.

In 2020, Lithuania's cheese exports to China reached 120 million euros, accounting for 18% of its total dairy exports.

Chinese companies have participated in the infrastructure construction in Lithuania in depth, and China Merchants Group assisted in building Klaipeda Port into an important node for the China-Europe freight train.

Huawei has promoted the development of 5G technology, and Nanrui Group has provided power system upgrades to Lithuania, significantly improving power supply stability.

These cooperation not only promoted the modernization of Lithuania's economy, but also allowed it to gain greater voice through the 17 1 cooperation mechanism internationally.

It has promoted the inclusion of the Amber Road cultural project on the United Nations List and improved agricultural production efficiency through technical training.

In November 2021, Lithuania broke through China's one-China principle and allowed the Taiwanese authorities to set up a "Taiwan Representative Office in Lithuania" in Lithuania, becoming the first EU country to establish official ties with Taiwan in the name of "Taiwan".

Under pressure from the United States, Lithuania banned Huawei 5G equipment, removed installed 4G base stations, and cleared the market for China's Tongfang Viscose security equipment, resulting in an increase in the cost of upgrading its communication network by 230 million euros.

In May 2021, Lithuania unilaterally announced its withdrawal from the 17 1 cooperation mechanism, claiming that it did not receive expected returns, but ignored the 1.2 billion euro investment commitment brought to it by the mechanism. This selective amnesia is undoubtedly a double economic betrayal.

In the end, Lithuania was still playing with fire in geopolitical terms.

It actively cooperates with the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy, followed the trend and accused China on issues related to Xinjiang and Hong Kong, and joined the China Science and Technology Blockade Alliance.

In June 2022, Lithuania banned Russia from transporting materials to Kaliningrad through its territory on the grounds of sanctions against Russia, further intensifying regional conflicts.

In the first half of 2022, Lithuania's exports to China plummeted by 91.6%, and wood and cheese exports almost stagnated, resulting in more than 1,300 companies going bankrupt and 60,000 people losing their jobs.

The Port of Klaipeda has a backlog of 300 million euros of wood, and its price has shrunk by 60% when it is resold to the European market.

The trade volume with China in 2023 was only US$180 million, far lower than in 2021.

Lithuania's economic growth rate declined sharply, reaching only 2.5% in 2022 and further shrinking to 0.3% in 2023. The agriculture and manufacturing industry were severely damaged, and dairy production capacity was less than 50%.

The proportion of public debt in GDP exceeded 40%, and it faces the risk of sovereign credit downgrading.

In diplomacy, Lithuania was coldly accepted by the EU, and the aid promised by the United States was far from fulfilling, but continued to be subject to the game of great powers.

Domestic people are also dissatisfied with the government's Taiwan-related policies, and more than 60% believe that this policy is not worth the cost.

Although the new government wants to repair relations with China, it insists on maintaining ties with Taiwan, which has led to China refusing to restart negotiations.

Lithuania's experience is a warning that the price of betraying China is not only economic losses, but also loss of important international cooperation opportunities.

Economic dependence is irreversible, the West promises are empty, the political red line cannot be touched, and betrayal of China will cost a heavy price.

China is still giving Uruguay a chance and calling on Paraguay to make the right choice.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on August 1 that China hopes that the Paraguay government can listen to the voice of the people and make decisions that are in line with the long-term interests of Paraguay and the people.

More and more Paraguayans realize that Paraguay can no longer continue to go against China and continue to be an alien in the international community.

China welcomes more Paraguayan friends to come to China to see it, experience China's development and culture for themselves, and learn about the real China.

China remains patient in its relationship with Paraguay and expects Paraguay to make an informed decision.

Paraguay's choice will determine its future development and international positioning.

A wise choice at a critical moment will pave the way for long-term cooperation between the two countries and bring a brighter future.