Guatemala–Taiwan relations explained

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. Her visit was protested by China.[7]

In April 2023, Giammattei visited Taiwan.[8] China placed pressure on Guatemala before the visit[9] and protested after the visit.[10]

Agriculture

Taiwan has supported rural development in Guatemala.[11]

Healthcare

Taiwan has given $22m USD to help build a new hospital in Chimaltenango.[12]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2022-08-31 . Guatemalan minister reaffirms support for Taiwan - Taipei Times . 2024-11-10 . www.taipeitimes.com.
  2. News: 15 January 2024 . Nauru switches diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240115110223/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/nauru-switches-diplomatic-recognition-taiwan-china-106372382 . 15 January 2024 . 15 January 2024 . ABC News . Associated Press.
  3. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/world/americas/guatemala-ex-president-admits-taking-taiwan-bribes.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0 "Guatemala: Ex-President Admits Taking Taiwan Bribes" Villegas, Paulina (18 March 2014).
  4. News: 19 March 2014. Taiwan mum on bribery claims by Guatemala's ex-president. Focus Taiwan News Channel. CNA. 21 December 2019.
  5. Web site: President Ma meets Guatemalan Vice President Fuentes . focustaiwan.tw . Focus Taiwan . 1 June 2023.
  6. Web site: SHIMIZU . KOSUKE . Guatemala foreign minister vows to maintain Taiwan ties . asia.nikkei.com . Nikkei Asia . 1 June 2023.
  7. Web site: Ioanes . Ellen . Taiwan's president is in the Americas — and China's not happy . vox.com . April 2023 . Vox . 1 June 2023.
  8. Web site: Lai . Johnson . Guatemala leader in Taiwan expresses 'rock-solid friendship' . abcnews.go.com . ABC News . 1 June 2023.
  9. Web site: Sharma . Shweta . China warns Guatemala against helping Taiwan: 'Wrong decision will fail in the end' . independent.co.uk . 19 April 2023 . The Independent . 1 June 2023.
  10. Web site: Taiwan: Guatemalan president's visit angers China . dw.com . DW . 1 June 2023.
  11. Web site: Menchu . Sofia . Taiwan Strengthens Ties With Guatemala Following Honduras Rupture . usnews.com . US News . 1 June 2023.
  12. News: Presidents of Taiwan and Guatemala reaffirm ties amid China pressure . . 2 April 2023 . 1 June 2023 . Agence France-Presse .

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