China hopes Paraguay to make right choice for its long-term interests: spokesperson

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- It is hoped that the Paraguayan government can make the correct decision regarding Taiwan that serves Paraguay's fundamental and long-term national interests, as well as those of its people, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Friday.

Guo's remarks came in response to reports that Vice President of the Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies Hugo Meza had called for a national debate on recognizing the Chinese mainland and severing its ties with Taiwan, with Meza arguing that his country was "wasting time" with the island.

"We have heard similar voices on multiple occasions, and such remarks reflect the strong will of the majority of the Paraguayan people," Guo said at a daily press briefing when asked to comment.

He noted that in recent years, a growing number of people in Paraguay have come to realize that Paraguay can no longer remain an "outlier" in the international community by "turning its back" on China.

"We hope that the Paraguayan government will earnestly heed these calls and make the right choice that truly serves the fundamental and long-term interests of Paraguay, as well as those of its people," Guo said.

"We welcome more Paraguayan friends to visit China, witness its development firsthand, experience the openness and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization, and gain a true understanding of the country," he added. ■