Taiwan 'reassured' on formal ties with Guatemala under incoming president

8/12/2023 18:52

        Taiwan's foreign minister on Friday said Guatemala's incoming government had "reassured" that it intends to maintain formal ties with the island, as China gradually whittles away at Taipei's remaining allies.
        
        Only 13 countries now officially recognise Chinese-claimed Taiwan, most of those in Central America, the Caribbean and the Pacific. New governments are always a nervous moment as they weigh whether to stick with Taiwan or switch diplomatic relations to China.
        
        Honduras in March ended its decades-long relationship with Taipei in favour of Beijing following the election in late 2021 of Xiomara Castro as president.
        
        Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told reporters on Friday that the island's ambassador in Guatemala, the most populous country in Central America, had spoken with senior people in the incoming administration of President-elect Bernardo Arevalo.
        
        Arevalo said on the campaign trail that he would pursue closer trade relations with China if he was elected.