Taiwan’s diplomatic ally Paraguay is negotiating with Taiwan to acquire jet aircrafts. The plan aims to restore a jet combat capability—which had been suspended for over two decades—by utilizing F-5 fighter jets and AT-3 advanced trainers, with the goal of introducing approximately 10 to 15 aircraft starting as early as 2027, according to the South American military news site, Zona Militar.
Amidst this attention, Miguel Ángel Aranda, Paraguay’s Deputy Minister of Administrative and Technical Affairs, recently visited Taiwan; both sides emphasized their commitment to deepening cooperation across various sectors, particularly as the two nations approach the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.
Paraguay is currently evaluating the possibility of rebuilding its jet-fighter capability, which it has lacked for more than two decades. According to the South American defense outlet Zona Militar, the F-5 Tiger II and AT-3 Tzu Chung are among the aircraft being considered for acquisition from Taiwan, with a reported target of 10 to 15 aircraft beginning in 2027.
Regarding the reports, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Taiwan and Paraguay maintain close and friendly relations and continue cooperation and communication across various fields. However, the ministry said it does not comment on the defense or military affairs of diplomatic allies, and therefore did not confirm whether the two sides had reached any specific agreement on transferring F-5s or AT-3s.
Taiwan’s Air Force officially retired its F-5 fleet in July 2025. The AT-3 also completed its final flight-training missions in late July 2026 and has been replaced by Taiwan’s domestically developed Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer, reported Taipei Times. (taipeitimes.com)
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Paraguay’s Defense Minister Óscar González has separately confirmed that discussions about a possible transfer of aircraft from Taiwan are taking place, while stressing that the negotiations remain at a preliminary stage, according to the 1000 Noticias, a Paraguayan news website operated by Radio 1000 AM, a Paraguayan radio broadcaster.
González pointed out that China has not only continued to strengthen its monitoring of online information but could also extend regulation to the sources of information dissemination, such as algorithms. As oversight shifts from controlling content to controlling its sources, its impact on freedom of speech could become even more profound.
Lin Chan-hui said that once users realize their online activities may be monitored, they may begin censoring themselves before speaking out. Over time, this could gradually shrink the space for public discussion. He also noted that the CCP is incorporating online information and data into its national-security framework, with the overall trend showing signs of “digital isolation.”
‘Invisible landmines’ are hardest to avoid; police discretion raises concerns
Hung Pu-chao, an assistant professor at Taipei Municipal University’s Center for General Education, said the regulatory measures give public security authorities considerable discretion in determining what constitutes a “potential risk or hazard.”
Authorities could potentially summon or question individuals even before a specific incident or violation has occurred.
Hung said that when public security authorities possess both the power to interpret and define risks, ordinary people have difficulty knowing which words or actions might violate the law or trigger an investigation.
“Invisible landmines are the hardest to guard against,” he said. In such a highly uncertain environment, people are more likely to avoid speaking out or reduce their online activities to minimize their own risks.
Scholars urge tiered guidance for different groups traveling to mainland China
The scholars attending the seminar said that China’s expanding Internet regulation is no longer confined to online platforms but is gradually extending to personal data, online behavior, information dissemination, and cross-Strait exchanges.
For Taiwan, in addition to closely monitoring China’s regulatory and enforcement trends, there is also a need to raise the risk awareness of people traveling to mainland China.
The scholars suggested that the government provide more specific, tailored risk guidance based on travelers’ identities and purposes for visiting mainland China.
For example, tourists, students, academic researchers, businesspeople, and individuals engaged in cross-Strait exchange activities could receive different levels of warnings and response measures based on the risks they may face.
As China continues to tighten Internet regulation, balancing normal cross-Strait exchanges with personal safety, while ensuring that the public clearly understands potential legal and information-related risks, could become an important issue for Taiwan’s future cross-Strait policy and civic safety education.
AT-3 has lower maintenance costs and could extend Taiwan’s aerospace industry value
Retired Air Force Colonel Sung Wen-hsi flew the AT-3 for more than 100 hours during his flight-training days. He described the AT-3 as a “very easy-to-learn and very easy-to-fly” jet trainer with high stability. As a result, Taiwan’s Thunder Tigers aerobatic team has used the AT-3 as its performance aircraft for many years.
Sung said the AT-3 is powered by commercial twin-engine powerplants. In addition to offering relatively high safety, its maintenance and hourly flight costs are lower than those of fighter jets. With the Brave Eagle advanced jet trainer having taken over the Air Force’s training missions, Taiwan no longer needs to maintain a full AT-3 fleet. However, if properly refurbished, the aircraft could still serve training or defense missions in other countries.
The AT-3 was manufactured by the Aerospace Industry Development Center, the predecessor of Taiwan’s Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), and AIDC has long been responsible for its maintenance and servicing. If Paraguay eventually acquires AT-3s, subsequent maintenance and technical support could create new opportunities for cooperation, including the possibility of Taiwanese technicians traveling to Paraguay to provide assistance. This could not only extend Taiwan’s cooperation with its diplomatic ally but also create overseas service opportunities and additional value for Taiwan’s aerospace industry.
Paraguayan official visits Taiwan; Lin Chia-lung: 70th anniversary next year could showcase more cooperation
As Paraguay potentially discusses military aircraft cooperation with Taiwan, Paraguayan Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Administrative and Technical Affairs Víctor Alfredo Arriola recently visited Taiwan and was received by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung.
Lin said Taiwan and Paraguay enjoy close diplomatic ties and have achieved fruitful cooperation over many years in higher education, public health and medicine, smart transportation, trade and investment, and technological development. As 2027 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said he looks forward to showcasing more highlights of their cooperation to the peoples of both countries.
Lin also reiterated the Taiwan government’s sincere appreciation for Paraguayan President Santiago Peña’s repeated and firm support for Taiwan in international forums.
Arriola expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s longstanding support for Paraguay’s national development goals and its assistance in improving people’s well-being. He also praised President Lai Ching-te’s efforts to revitalize the Taiwan-Paraguay Smart Technology Park and the two countries’ plans to jointly develop an artificial-intelligence computing center.
He emphasized that President Peña remains firmly committed to Taiwan-Paraguay relations and that Paraguay will continue to support Taiwan in the international community, demonstrating to the world the successful results of cooperation with Taiwan.
From traditional diplomacy to defense and AI: Taiwan-Paraguay cooperation continues to expand
Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi, who hosted a banquet for Arriola, also said that although Taiwan and Paraguay are geographically distant, the two sides maintain frequent exchanges. Chen visited Paraguay in June this year to learn about major bilateral cooperation projects and said he believes the planned cooperation in artificial intelligence will inject new momentum into the two countries’ economic development and make the Taiwan-Paraguay cooperation model an international example.
Arriola emphasized that Taiwan is one of Paraguay’s most important international partners. Paraguay hopes to use the current visit to further discuss the direction and implementation of various cooperation projects. He also said that Taiwan should have a place in the international arena and that Paraguay will continue to firmly support Taiwan’s participation in international affairs.
From possible military cooperation involving F-5s and AT-3s to projects involving the Smart Technology Park, an AI computing center, and public health, Taiwan-Paraguay relations are gradually expanding beyond traditional diplomacy and aid into defense, technology, and industrial cooperation.
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