China has strongly condemned Paraguay's leaders, calling them 'chess pieces' following President Santiago Pena's visit to Taiwan. Beijing urged Paraguay to recognize the 'one-China' principle and cease support for Taiwan's independence.

Beijing lashed out at Paraguay on Monday after President Santiago Pena wrapped up a four-day visit to Taiwan, branding Paraguayan leaders as willing “chess pieces” for independence forces on the self-ruled island that China claims as its own territory. Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China “firmly opposes and condemns” the trip and urged Asuncion to “change course at an early date” and recognise the one-China principle. “The wheels of history wait for no one. Rejecting the one-China.....