Guatemala–Taiwan relations

Guatemala–Taiwan relations
Map indicating locations of Guatemala and Taiwan

Guatemala
Taiwan

Guatemala and the Republic of China (ROC, Taiwan) established bilateral relations in 1933.[1] Following the ROC's relocation to Taiwan, Guatemala has maintained diplomatic relations with the ROC rather than the mainland People's Republic of China. As of 2024, Guatemala is one of 11 nations to have formally recognize Taiwan.[2]

History

On 18 March 2014, Guatemala's former president Alfonso Portillo pled guilty in the Federal District Court in Manhattan to a charge that he accepted bribes in exchange for recognizing the Republic of China (ROC). President Pérez Molina said that Guatemala's relations with the ROC were and are strong and that the Portillo confession would not affect diplomatic relations between the two nations.[3] Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined comment.[4]

In 2015, Vice President Juan Alfonso Fuentes Soria visited Taiwan and met with President Ma Ying-jeou.[5]

In 2022, Guatemalan foreign minister Mario Bucaro said that relations between the two countries were strong.[6]

In May 2023, President Tsai Ing-wen traveled to Guatemala and met with President Alejandro Giammattei at Tikal Temple I.[7] Her visit was protested by China.[8]

In April 2023, Giammattei visited Taiwan.[9] China placed pressure on Guatemala before the visit[10] and protested after the visit.[11]

Agriculture

Taiwan has supported rural development in Guatemala.[12]

Healthcare

Taiwan has given $22m USD to help build a new hospital in Chimaltenango.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Guatemalan minister reaffirms support for Taiwan - Taipei Times". www.taipeitimes.com. 2022-08-31. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  2. ^ "Nauru switches diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China". ABC News. Associated Press. 15 January 2024. Archived from the original on 15 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Guatemala: Ex-President Admits Taking Taiwan Bribes" Villegas, Paulina (18 March 2014). The New York Times. MARCH
  4. ^ "Taiwan mum on bribery claims by Guatemala's ex-president". Focus Taiwan News Channel. CNA. 19 March 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2019.
  5. ^ "President Ma meets Guatemalan Vice President Fuentes". focustaiwan.tw. Focus Taiwan. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  6. ^ SHIMIZU, KOSUKE. "Guatemala foreign minister vows to maintain Taiwan ties". asia.nikkei.com. Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Presidents of Taiwan and Guatemala reaffirm ties amid China pressure". The Guardian. Agence France-Presse. 2 April 2023. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  8. ^ Ioanes, Ellen (April 2023). "Taiwan's president is in the Americas — and China's not happy". vox.com. Vox. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  9. ^ Lai, Johnson. "Guatemala leader in Taiwan expresses 'rock-solid friendship'". abcnews.go.com. ABC News. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  10. ^ Sharma, Shweta (19 April 2023). "China warns Guatemala against helping Taiwan: 'Wrong decision will fail in the end'". independent.co.uk. The Independent. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  11. ^ "Taiwan: Guatemalan president's visit angers China". dw.com. DW. Retrieved 1 June 2023.
  12. ^ Menchu, Sofia. "Taiwan Strengthens Ties With Guatemala Following Honduras Rupture". usnews.com. US News. Retrieved 1 June 2023.