Japan, Paraguay Oppose Changing Status Quo in East Asia

   Asuncion, Paraguay, May 3 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Paraguayan President Santiago Pena shared on Friday their resolve not to allow any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in East Asia.
   During their summit at the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion, the two leaders also agreed to boost cooperation in maintaining and strengthening international order, especially given China's increasingly hegemonic moves. Paraguay is the only country in South America that has official diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
   At a joint press conference after the talks, Pena said that Japan and Paraguay share the same values, such as freedom and the rule of law. He also voiced hopes that the two nations will continue to forge cooperative relations in a wide range of fields.
   Kishida said that the importance of partners sharing the same values and principles is growing at a time when the international community is facing a polycrisis.
   Paraguay holds the presidency of the Mercosur trade bloc in South America, which also includes Brazil, for the first half of 2024.

(2024/05/04-13:50)

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