TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Japan is building closer ties with Taiwan’s few remaining diplomatic allies, seeking to reinforce shared values and counter Beijing’s expanding global influence, Nikkei Asia reported Wednesday.

Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru met on Tuesday in Tokyo with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo, whose country is one of the 12 that still recognize Taiwan over China. The leaders announced a new strategic partnership and emphasized their commitment to the “free and open Indo-Pacific” vision, per CNA.

Japan also pledged to promote investment in Guatemala, where 24 Japanese companies already operate, including auto parts maker Yazaki. Arevalo, who visited Taiwan before his Japan trip, reaffirmed support for Taipei while expressing caution over China’s growing pressure.

Tokyo said it will assist Guatemalan migrants returning from the US following stricter enforcement policies under President Donald Trump. The support forms part of Japan’s broader effort to stabilize and bolster these diplomatic allies economically.

Last week, Ishiba met with Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, whose country is Taiwan’s only diplomatic partner in Africa. Dlamini thanked Japan for the aid and expressed interest in attracting further investment.

In May, Ishiba met with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena and agreed to upgrade relations to a strategic partnership. The two sides reached a preliminary deal to encourage Japanese investment and lifted visa requirements for short-term visits by Paraguayans.

A February meeting with Palau President Surangel Whipps included language calling Palau a “strategically important partner,” absent in previous statements. Japan has increasingly used such terminology as it courts Taiwan’s allies.

Beijing continues to pressure countries to switch allegiance, successfully convincing Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras in recent years. Japan views ties with pro-Taiwan nations as a way to push back diplomatically and spotlight regional security threats posed by China.

These countries often align with Japan’s strategic concerns and lack formal ties with Beijing, creating openings for deeper cooperation. In exchange, they expect stronger economic support, including trade, investment, and infrastructure partnerships.