In the political turmoil of Central America in 2024, Guatemala, once considered part of the "anti-China camp," welcomed an unexpected leader—pro-China President Bernardo Arévalo.
His election not only brought new variables to the international political stage but also sparked widespread attention from global public opinion.
Today, let’s explore this “unconventional” new president and some of the stories behind him.
Bernardo Arévalo’s rise to power marks a significant turning point in Guatemalan politics.
It’s important to note that for a long time, Guatemala had maintained close ties with the United States, almost following in the U.S.'s footsteps in every foreign policy decision.
Especially regarding its China policy, the country had maintained a relatively conservative stance.
However, Arévalo's emergence broke this political tradition. During his campaign, he clearly expressed a pro-China stance and successfully implemented this policy in domestic politics.
Why does Arévalo have such confidence?
This is closely related to his family background and personal experiences. As the son of Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, Arévalo grew up in a political atmosphere, which shaped his deep understanding of democracy and social justice.
Additionally, his overseas education gave him a broader international perspective and a wealth of knowledge.
These factors laid a solid foundation for his political success.
Looking back at Arévalo’s campaign journey, it is impossible not to mention the ups and downs along the way.
At the beginning of the campaign, his support rate was not high, and he was even far behind the right-wing candidate, Sandra Torres.
However, with a clear political stance, excellent speaking skills, and policies that resonated with the public's needs, Arévalo turned the tables in just a few months, ultimately winning with 59.12% of the vote.
Arévalo’s victory was not accidental.
Guatemalans had long been frustrated with corruption and social injustice, and Arévalo was well aware of this. During his campaign, he heavily promoted anti-corruption and social reform, successfully gaining the support of voters.
In addition, he keenly grasped changes in the international situation, especially China’s growing importance in the global economy, seeing the potential for strengthening cooperation with China.
Thus, playing the “pro-China” card became a major highlight of his campaign strategy, attracting more voters’ attention.
Arévalo’s rise to power opened a new chapter in Guatemala-China relations.
However, despite the potential cooperation opportunities that a pro-China policy may bring to Guatemala, the road ahead is not without obstacles.
Guatemala’s long-standing conservative political ecosystem remains skeptical and resistant to Arévalo’s pro-China stance, especially as some domestic forces still insist on maintaining close ties with the U.S.
Moreover, the Taiwan issue between Guatemala and China remains a sensitive topic. How to balance relations with both China and Taiwan will test Arévalo’s political wisdom.
Despite these challenges, Arévalo still sees great opportunities.
With China’s rising economic power on the global stage, Guatemala can benefit in various fields from China’s development, especially in infrastructure, agricultural technology, and technological innovation.
Arévalo values not only the economic cooperation opportunities but also China’s status as an emerging global power in international affairs.
Arévalo understands that promoting a pro-China policy requires gaining more support both domestically and internationally.
He not only needs to address pressure from domestic opposition but also expand cooperation with China while safeguarding national sovereignty and independence.
Arévalo’s goal is to bring substantial benefits to Guatemala’s development through cooperation with China, thereby improving the living standards of its people and enhancing the country’s influence on the international stage.
The election of Bernardo Arévalo has undoubtedly brought a new political direction for Guatemala.
He not only represents a political transformation in Guatemalan history but also demonstrates that he is a forward-thinking and innovative leader willing to challenge traditional political paths.
Guatemala's future is full of uncertainty, but as Arévalo’s campaign has shown, he has the ability to lead the country out of corruption and stagnation and toward a more vibrant and promising path of development.
At the same time, Arévalo must face the international community’s response to his pro-China policies, particularly from the United States.
As a long-time ally of the U.S., Guatemala’s closer ties with China may draw attention from Washington and even provoke countermeasures.
However, Arévalo clearly has his own considerations. He recognizes that in today’s globalized world, strengthening cooperation with an economic powerhouse like China could present Guatemala with unprecedented development opportunities.
The election of Bernardo Arévalo marks Guatemala’s entrance into a new era.
As a leader who does not adhere to traditional paths, Arévalo’s pro-China policy has broken the political deadlock and opened up new diplomatic avenues.
Though challenges lie ahead, under his leadership, Guatemala is expected to overcome its past difficulties and embrace new opportunities.
Arévalo’s story teaches us that only leaders who dare to break the mold and face challenges head-on can carve out a new future for their country in this ever-changing world.
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