Guyana reverses course on Taiwan office establishment following Chinese pressure

Taiwan’s foreign ministry announced on February 4 that the country will establish a Taiwan Office at Georgetown, the capital of the South American country Guyana. Taiwan and Guyana does not have an official relationship due to Guyana’s recognition of the People’s Republic of China. According to Taipei, the office started provisional operation on January 11.

The U.S. welcomes the establishment of a Taiwan office in Guyana, which will strengthen their growing relationship.

This milestone will benefit both partners and advance security, democratic values and prosperity in the region. https://t.co/qPmwg7GeLt

— Julie Chung (@WHAAsstSecty) February 3, 2021

Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Julie Chung and the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown applauded the move following Taiwan’s announcement. Guyanese Foreign Minister Hugh Todd confirmed that Taiwan is setting up a trade and investment office and that Guyana continues to follow the one-China policy.

A day later, however, Guyana announced that it has terminated the agreement with Taiwan to set up the office. Taiwan accused China of “bullying” and expressed regret over Guyana’s decision. Speculation suggests that the agreement only became public after the U.S. embassy released a statement welcoming it on February 3.

Latin America remains a battleground for the U.S. and China, the former seeking to maintain its influence while the latter increases its investment and diplomatic reach.