China Affirms One-China Principle in Support of Guatemala's Interests

A spokesperson from the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized on Friday that recognition of the one-China principle and the establishment of diplomatic relations with China serves the core interests of Guatemala and its citizens.

During a regular news briefing, spokesperson Lin Jian made these remarks in response to comments from Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, who had recently visited China's Taiwan region. Lin reiterated China's longstanding position, underscoring that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China.

"This is a prevailing international consensus that cannot be challenged," Lin stated, adding emphasis to China's view on territorial sovereignty and global diplomatic norms. He further criticized the Taiwan region's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, arguing their efforts to work with so-called "allied countries" for political leverage amount to "self-deceptive theatrics" that will not impede what he described as the inevitable historical movement toward China's reunification.

Lin highlighted that 183 countries have already established diplomatic relations with China, a figure he said demonstrates the widespread support for the one-China principle globally. According to Lin, this international alignment reflects both "the will of the people and the trend of the times," reinforcing what he called the justness of the cause.

The spokesperson concluded his remarks by urging the governments of concerned nations to recognize what he described as the overriding historical trend. Lin called on these countries to "heed public sentiment and make the correct choice as soon as possible," suggesting that further alignment with the one-China principle would better serve their national interests amid shifting global dynamics.