Taiwanese lawmaker Michelle Lin (林楚茵) on Wednesday urged the government during the Legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee hearing to counter controversial remarks by Brazil’s top envoy to Taiwan, suggesting a shift from importing Brazilian soybeans to other countries’ products. Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi (陳明祺) responded positively, citing Paraguay's soybeans and beef as allies, saying that increased cooperation aligns with comprehensive diplomacy and bolsters Taiwan’s food security. 

Brazil’s representative in Taiwan, Luís Cláudio Villafañe Gomes Santos, stated in an interview on Sunday, April 12, that Taiwan is a part of China, prompting a formal protest from the Foreign Ministry requesting him to be more careful with his statements in the future and refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of the host country. Chen said the government will consider further actions while balancing Taiwan-Brazil ties and diplomatic protocol.

Lin noted that Brazilian soybeans rank second in Taiwan imports after the U.S., and Brazil wants more Taiwanese beef purchases, urging a show of economic leverage by switching suppliers. Chen pledged coordination with the Agriculture Ministry to advance comprehensive diplomacy on this issue. He stated that their important diplomatic ally, Paraguay, also hoped for more soybean cooperation with them. As for meat products, Taiwan is importing beef and pork from Paraguay and studying others, which, he emphasized, form part of Taiwan’s food resilience.