TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged to help Guatemala maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan on Wednesday. 

At a joint press conference in Guatemala City, Rubio thanked the Central American nation for its ties with Taiwan. “It’s not easy in a world where there is a lot of pressure to change that recognition and to break those ties,” he said.

He said the US would “do everything we can” for Guatemala to uphold its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. He added that Washington would also encourage more Taiwanese investment in Guatemala’s economy to ensure it continues to prosper.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo reaffirmed ties with Taiwan and hoped to “improve on them within the framework of our government administration” to enhance bilateral economic and investment.

Rubio’s promise comes after the Chinese foreign ministry claimed in October that a growing number of Guatemalans believe switching diplomatic recognition is “in the fundamental and long-term interests of Guatemala and its people.” 

Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned these remarks, calling them “calculated moves aimed at disrupting Taiwan’s relations with its allies.” It also reiterated that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation and its diplomatic relations are based on mutual respect and reciprocity.

Guatemala is one of Taiwan’s 11 diplomatic allies. The two countries marked 90 years of diplomatic relations in December.