US Embassy condemns Chinese pressure on Central American Parliament

The United States Embassy in Guatemala has condemned what it described as “malign influence” by China following reports of diplomatic pressure on members of the Central American Parliament (Parlacen). According to communications attributed to Wang Xiaoyao, the Chinese ambassador to Costa Rica, China has attempted to pressure regional deputies to prevent them from meeting with Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung during his official visit to Guatemala.

The Chinese representation reportedly characterized Lin as a “separatist leader” and viewed his visit as an interference in China’s internal affairs and a violation of its sovereignty. This tension follows China’s entry as an observer in Parlacen in August 2023, a move that coincided with the organization withdrawing permanent observer status from Taiwan.

During his visit to Guatemala, Lin Chia-lung has engaged with local officials, including President Bernardo Arevalo, who expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s ongoing social cooperation projects, such as the construction of a specialized cancer hospital.