China’s rejection of Guatemalan shipments could be related to Taiwan ties, Guatemala president says

GUATEMALA CITY – Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo said on May 24 that China had rejected entry to some shipments from the Central American nation, speculating that this could be due to Guatemala’s diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

On May 23, Guatemala’s exporters’ association had reported that at least seven containers of macadamia nuts had been unable to enter China and that traders had been told Guatemalan macadamia and coffee would be denied entry.

Guatemala is one of only 12 countries with diplomatic ties to Taiwan. Beijing claims the democratically governed island as its own territory. Taiwan rejects China’s sovereignty claims.

“As you know, the inauguration of the new Taiwanese government, which Guatemala has ties with, was a few days ago,” Mr Arevalo said in a live question-and-answer session on TikTok. “There could be some dispute with China related to this.”

Guatemalan Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez attended the inauguration of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on May 20.

Mr Arevalo said the Guatemalan government was working to resolve the issue but had not received a response from China.

Guatemala exported US$82 million (S$110.7 million) worth of goods to China in 2023, according to the exporters’ association.

Mr Lai and Mr Arevalo spoke via videoconference on May 21, with Mr Lai thanking him for his staunch support and calling for the further strengthening of ties, according to a read-out from Taiwan’s presidential office.

Mr Lai invited Mr Arevalo to visit Taiwan, while Mr Arevalo invited Mr Lai to come to Guatemala, the statement added.

Then President Tsai Ing-wen went to Guatemala in 2023, a week after neighbouring Honduras severed diplomatic relations with Taipei in favour of Beijing. REUTERS