Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan is stepping up to support Guatemala, its sole diplomatic ally in Central America, as it faces increasing competition from China for loyal partners.
During a meeting on Thursday, President Lai Ching-te discussed plans with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo to strengthen both countries’ exchanges and cooperation. They aim to enhance scholarship programs for youth and offer training in advanced technology and communication, which is expected to boost prosperity and development.
President Arévalo highlighted key areas for Guatemala’s growth, including public health, education, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure. He expressed confidence that their bilateral relationship will continue to grow stronger in the future.
This assistance from Taiwan is crucial as the island nation works to counter China’s strategies, which often involve offering major infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and stadiums in exchange for loyalty, typically at market rates.
China’s attempts to win over Taiwan’s allies aim to isolate the island diplomatically, a step that could weaken the resolve of the Taiwanese people and support Beijing’s goal of “peaceful unification” with Taiwan.
In contrast, Taiwan’s offers of assistance are generally more modest and practical. As a parliamentary democracy, any financial commitments must be approved by the legislature, and Taiwan also stands as a beacon of functional democracy in a world that increasingly leans toward authoritarian governance.
Meanwhile, China has steadily reduced Taiwan’s number of diplomatic allies to just twelve, launching campaigns in the Caribbean and Central America to secure support from nations like Peru.
