Guatemala’s president supports the ‘Republic of Taiwan.’ Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei declared his unequivocal support for the “Republic of Taiwan” on Tuesday during a trip to China, increasing pressure on the few nations that still have diplomatic links with the island.
Guatemala is one of 13 nations holding diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Honduras left Taipei for Beijing last month after requesting nearly $2.5 billion in help.
At a greeting ceremony outside Taiwan’s presidential office, Giammattei called Guatemala and Taiwan “brotherly countries” and crucial friends.
In Spanish, he repeatedly called it the “Republic of Taiwan” instead of its actual name, the Republic of China, stylized by the government as Taiwan.
“I want everyone to trust that Guatemala will continue to be a solid diplomatic ally to the Republic of Taiwan and will continue to deepen cooperation in all areas,” he pledged “absolute support.”
Standing close to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, Giammattei finished his address with a passionate “long live free Taiwan” and received a huge smile and an English thank you.
Later in Taiwan’s parliament, Giammattei spoke to the “Republic of Taiwan” and ended his statement with “long live Taiwan: free, sovereign and independent.” Lawmakers applauded.
Guatemala’s government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong’s communists, who established the People’s Republic of China.
Beijing resents any claim that Taiwan is an independent nation.
China has denounced Giammattei’s visit, viewing Taiwan as its region without statehood.
After Tsai visited Guatemala a month ago, Giammattei returned to Taiwan.
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