Beijing, Aug 22 (EFE).- Taiwan on Tuesday announced its withdrawal from the Central American Parliament (Parlacen) after its decision to replace it as a permanent observer with China.
The parliamentary body approved a motion presented by Nicaragua urging its members to recognize Beijing as the legitimate representative of the Chinese people.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry “strongly protested” the decision in a statement posted on its website on Tuesday.
The ministry confirmed its withdrawal from Parlacen in order to “safeguard its national sovereignty and dignity.”
It also accused China of manipulating Nicaragua lawmakers in Parlacen to undermine Taiwan’s interests and position in the Central American region.
The ministry warned that the proposal showed China’s intention to undermine democracy in Central America and its ambition to expand its influence in the region.
The ministry reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name) was “a sovereign and independent country” and not subordinate to the People’s Republic of China and said that it would not succumb to international pressure or threats from Beijing.
On Monday, the Central American Parliament approved, by majority vote, the entry of the People’s Republic of China into the bloc as a permanent observer and revoked Taiwan’s permanent observer status.
Belize and Guatemala are the only two remaining diplomatic allies of Taiwan in Central America after Honduras broke ties with Taipei on Mar. 26 in favor of relations with Beijing. EFE
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