TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) dismissed Beijing’s attempt to sway Guatemala away from its diplomatic alliance with Taiwan on Sunday (Oct. 27).
Responding to Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s (林佳龍) visit to Guatemala, China’s foreign ministry claimed that a growing number of Guatemalans believe switching diplomatic recognition is “in the fundamental and long-term interests of Guatemala and its people.” It cited UN Resolution 2758 as justification and urged the Guatemalan government to “make the right choice at an early date.”
MOFA condemned these remarks, calling them “calculated moves aimed at disrupting Taiwan’s relations with its allies.” It reaffirmed that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation, describing this as “a widely acknowledged fact in the international community.” The foreign ministry also clarified that UN Resolution 2758 does not reference Taiwan or endorse Beijing’s "one China" principle. Taiwan’s diplomatic relations are based on sovereignty, mutual respect, and reciprocity, MOFA added, asserting that other countries have no right to interfere.
MOFA highlighted the longstanding friendship between Taiwan and Guatemala, emphasizing their cooperation in various areas, which has benefited Guatemalan citizens and earned widespread recognition. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo has consistently supported bilateral ties and expressed a desire to elevate the relationship to a strategic partnership, the ministry noted.
During Lin’s visit to Guatemala from Oct. 24-25, he met with President Arevalo and other high-ranking officials, with both sides committed to deepening cooperation and further strengthening the robust friendship between the two nations, according to MOFA.