China Blocks Guatemalan Imports Amid Taiwan Diplomatic Tensions

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo announced that China had denied entry to shipments from Guatemala, possibly due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan. This includes macadamia nuts and coffee. Arevalo speculated the recent inauguration of Taiwan's President may have influenced China's actions. The Guatemalan government is seeking a resolution with China.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo said on Friday 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.

The day before, 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 the few nations that holds diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Beijing claims the self-governing island as its own territory, which Taiwan rejects.

"As you know, the inauguration of the new Taiwanese government, which Guatemala has ties with, was a few days ago," 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 Monday.

Arevalo said the Guatemalan government was working to solve the issue but had not received a response from China. Guatemala exported $82 million worth of goods to China last year, according to the exporters association.

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