China firmly opposes and condemns the Paraguayan president's visit to China's Taiwan region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

There is but one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, said Guo. The one-China principle is a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing consensus in the international community, he added.

Guo made the remarks when asked to comment on reports that Paraguay's President Santiago Peña visited China's Taiwan region from May 7 to 10, during which he met with Lai Ching-te in Taipei on May 8 and signed several so-called "cooperation documents."

"Over the years, we have heard time and again the strong call from various sectors in Paraguay to develop relations with China," Guo said, adding that according to a poll conducted in Paraguay, nearly 90% of respondents supported establishing diplomatic ties with China.

The voices of the Paraguayan people demonstrate that establishing diplomatic relations with China serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the Paraguayan people and that colluding with the Taiwan authorities wins no public support, Guo said.

"We urge the Paraguayan government to change course at an early date, recognize the trend of the times, follow the will of its people, and make the right political decision to recognize the one-China principle," he added.