TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Nicaraguan leader Daniel Ortega for recent comments that denigrated Taiwan.

The ministry slammed Ortega for his obsequious attitude toward China and for ignoring the many years that Taiwan provided social assistance and financial aid to Nicaragua under his leadership. Ortega’s remarks demonstrate his lack of moral character, the ministry said in a press release. 

Ortega is the co-president of Nicaragua with his wife Rosario Murillo, and has occupied the office of president since 2007. Ortega decided to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 2021 in favor of China, citing Beijing’s “one China” principle

On Feb. 16, Ortega spoke at an event to commemorate a gift of 180 city buses from China. During his speech, he said that Taiwan previously “usurped” a diplomatic space that belonged to China, and insulted Taiwan as “garbage,” reported La Prensa.

The foreign ministry emphasized that Taiwan is a sovereign nation, separate from China, and that the CCP has never governed Taiwan. The statement urged Ortega to stop being subservient to Beijing.

The foreign ministry criticized Ortega in the past as an “opportunist” for kowtowing to China and undermining democracy in Central America. In 2023, he called Taiwan a province of China.

Taiwan seeks to build and maintain friendly relations with nations throughout the world based on mutual respect. As a trustworthy global partner, Taiwan will uphold the spirit of comprehensive diplomacy with like-minded nations, per the press release.