TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Ambassador to Guatemala Miguel Liao (曹立傑) said on Saturday (May 18) that Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo assured Taiwan of his steadfast support.

Liao said he recently met with eight ministerial-level officials in Guatemala, aiming to promote Taiwan's intention of friendship, CNA reported. He hoped Taiwan and Guatemala could continue working together as strategic allies.

This alliance is seen as mutually beneficial, with Taiwan's technological prowess complementing Guatemala's rich resources, he said. Taiwan serves as a gateway to Asia, while Guatemala is a gateway to Central and Latin America, and both countries share common values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights, he added.

Guatemala Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez is in Taiwan as the country’s special envoy for the May 20 presidential inauguration. Chinese officials and media blasted Taiwan-Guatemala diplomatic relations on Saturday, accusing Taiwan of engaging in dollar diplomacy.  

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs hit back by saying that China uses money and corrupt practices to infiltrate other countries and harm their development by creating “debt traps.”

Arevalo’s pledge to remain diplomatic allies with Taiwan comes as Guatemala seeks expanded economic ties with China. “We are going to continue working with Taiwan at the levels we have been doing," Martinez said in February, "but the president has pointed out that we cannot ignore the weight and power China represents."

MOFA responded to the news by saying that Guatemala’s support for Taiwan has never wavered.

Guatemala is one of Taiwan’s two diplomatic allies in Central America.