Guatemala Pledges to Maintain Ties with Taiwan Amid Growing Economic Links with China
Guatemala’s Stance on Diplomatic Relations
Guatemala has no intention of breaking diplomatic relations with Taiwan despite seeking closer economic links with China. President Bernardo Arevalo emphasized the country’s commitment to maintaining ties with both Taiwan and China, highlighting the importance of parallel engagement with both nations.
Challenges in Maintaining Ties
Guatemala is one of the few nations that still maintains formal ties with Taiwan, amidst increasing pressure from China. The neighboring country of Honduras recently switched allegiances to China, signaling the challenges faced by Guatemala in balancing diplomatic relations.
Guatemala’s Foreign Policy Plans
President Arevalo, who assumed office in mid-January, has emphasized his commitment to ending corruption and establishing relations with China. Despite considering formal trade ties with China, Guatemala has publicly reaffirmed its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, indicating a balanced approach to foreign policy.
Addressing Root Causes of Migration
President Arevalo, an academic and former diplomat, has prioritized tackling the root causes of migration, particularly rampant poverty. The exodus of Guatemalans to the U.S. through illegal routes has been fueled by economic hardships, prompting the government to seek solutions to address this issue.
Initiatives for Legal Migration
To broaden legal migration options, President Arevalo’s administration is actively seeking a “significant increase” in quotas for temporary worker visas that Guatemalans can obtain under an agreement with the United States. This initiative aims to provide alternative avenues for Guatemalans to seek employment opportunities legally.
Collaboration with the United States
President Arevalo highlighted ongoing discussions with the United States to explore “mechanisms” that Guatemala can utilize to meet the demand for labor in both urban and rural areas. The collaboration aims to address labor shortages while providing opportunities for Guatemalan workers.
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