Amb. emphasizes Guatemala’s strong friendship with Taiwan

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The ambassador of Guatemala to the United States, Alfonso Quiñonez, reaffirmed his country's strong alliance with Taiwan on Thursday (March 23) as President Tsai Ing-wen prepares for her upcoming visit to Central America.

"Taiwan is the best friend that Guatemala has, and Guatemala wants to be the best friend of Taiwan as well," Quiñonez said, echoing his president's sentiments. He also expressed the hope that other countries would recognize the benefits of having diplomatic relationships with Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Tsai's transit visits through the U.S. on her way to Guatemala and Belize drew criticism from China. Still, U.S. officials defended the stopover, calling it a routine occurrence and Taiwan's right.

Democratic Senator Ben Cardin said: "She (Tsai) is certainly welcome to be here... Our hope is that we don't elevate the circumstances, but Taiwan has every right for its representatives to be able to travel."

White House National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby also reassured the public that China had no reason to overreact to Tsai's unofficial visit.

While no official itinerary has been released, Taiwan's presidential office tentatively scheduled Tsai to stop over in New York on March 30 and Los Angeles on April 5 before returning to Taiwan.

The Taiwanese leader is expected to visit diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize during her 10-day trip to Central America, starting on March 29.