Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei pledged his country’s unconditional support for what he repeatedly called ‘the Republic of Taiwan.’ He is on a trip to Taipei following a visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to Guatemala City in early April.
Giammattei repeatedly expressed support for Taiwan’s independence. Before he left, he told reporters that the trip sends a “clear message that countries have a right to self-governance.”
This drew a tart response from China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday. She said switching diplomatic ties away from Taiwan would be “in line with the fundamental interests of Guatemala and the aspirations of its people.”
Guatemalan officials emphasized that they’re not looking for ‘free money.’ Unlike Honduras, they’re also not trying to renegotiate Taiwanese loans. Rather, they’re trying to rebalance their trade with the island and foster long-term joint projects.
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Giammattei ended his speech in Taipei with “Long live Taiwan: free, sovereign and independent,” which is sure to further inflame Beijing’s campaign against the relationship. Taiwan now has thirteen international allies left.
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