Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arevalo said on Thursday that the country has no intention of severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, despite seeking closer economic relations with China. Arevalo, who was inaugurated in January, pledged to combat corruption and establish ties with China, raising concerns about the potential cost of sacrificing relations with Taiwan. 

The situation came under scrutiny when Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez disclosed to Reuters that Guatemala is considering engaging with China to develop formal trade ties, prompting opposition calls for clarity on diplomatic intentions.

Arevalo reiterated his government&39;s National Palace. He said they will not choose sides and assured their commitment to promoting relations with both Taiwan and China simultaneously.

Arevalo also pledged to address their emigration root causes, particularly poverty, which has driven approximately 233,000 Guatemalans to legally or illegally immigrate to the United States in 2022. Arevalo&39;s temporary work visa quotas through agreements with the U.S. to improve this situation. 

Guatemala remains among the 12 countries that uphold diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The last country to switch recognition to China was Honduras after seeking a significant $2.5 billion in aid from Beijing.