Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña said Friday that his country deeply values its ties with Taiwan, in a show of solidarity with the island democracy a day after Beijing asked the South American nation to sever diplomatic relations with Taipei .

Paraguay is the only country in South America and one of 12 worldwide to recognize Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan its own territory and has ramped up a campaign over the past few years to lure Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, in addition to increasing military pressure around the island.

At a military honors event, Peña said the ceremony symbolizes the unwavering determination between both sides to continuously deepen their ties and partnership, according to an interpreter.…