reuters.com/world/guatemala-president-pledges-strong-support-republic-taiwan-2023-04-25/
Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei pledged strong support for Taiwan during a video call with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Giammattei emphasized how the two countries’ share values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The call came as China is increasing efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically and exert pressure on other countries to sever official ties with Taiwan. Taiwan is only recognized officially by 15 countries, most of which are small island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean (and the Vatican City for some reason). China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to bring it under its control, by force if necessary. In recent years, China has often offered financial incentives in exchange for nations to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The United States remains a key ally of Taiwan, but doesn’t officially recognize them as a nation.
Because most nations that recognize Taiwan are in Central America or the Caribbean, it is likely that these comments will not have a sizable effect on what nations support Taiwan. Lots of nations may not recognize Taiwan because of their strong economic ties to China, and therefore potential economic backlash. Even nations such as the US, which have very vocally supported Taiwan, don’t officially recognize the nation, choosing to not pick a side on the issue instead of recognizing or denouncing Taiwan’s sovereignty.