Asunción: Paraguayan Congressman Hugo Meza has called for a national debate on recognizing mainland China and severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, arguing that his country was wasting time with the island Beijing holds as a rogue province.

According to Nam News Network, following a visit to the People’s Republic of China, Meza highlighted the Asian giant’s significant economic development and investments in Latin America, stating that even a small percentage of that investment could transform Paraguay’s production model.

He insisted that Paraguay was one of only 12 countries that still recognized Taiwan, while the majority of the world maintains full relations with mainland China. Meza also said he believed that the benefits Paraguay receives from Taiwan were minimal in comparison.