As China is Guatemala's second largest source of imports and fifth largest destination of exports, recognizing the one-China principle and developing relations with China serves the fundamental interest of Guatemala and its people, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

The remarks were made by the ministry's spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a regular press briefing in response to a query that a political scholar in Guatemala analyzed that the Seed Movement party candidate Bernardo Arevalo is very likely to win the second round of voting and he will recognize the one-China principle and establish diplomatic ties with China after being elected.

There is only one China in the world and the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, Wang said, stressing Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. 

Noting the one-China principle is a universally recognized norm in international relations and a prevailing consensus among the international community, he said the fact that China has established diplomatic relations with 182 countries fully shows that establishing diplomatic ties with China is the right choice that accords with the trend of history and our times.

"We believe that Guatemala will choose the right side of history and make the right decision that serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the country and its people," said Wang.

Guatemala is one of two remaining countries in Central America to have the so-called "diplomatic ties" with China's Taiwan region after Honduras established diplomatic relations with China in March.

(Cover: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin at a press briefing in Beijing, China, August 14, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry)