20 June 2025
Costa Rica finds itself in the middle of a diplomatic standoff with China after sending officials to Taiwan for a national security training program. According to La Nación, five members of the Directorate of Intelligence and National Security (DIS) spent 23 days in Taipei in May 2025, with Taiwan covering all expenses, including flights, accommodations, meals, and transportation.
In response, China’s embassy in San José condemned the visit, labeling it a breach of the “One China” policy—a diplomatic commitment Costa Rica made in 2007 when it severed official ties with Taiwan in favor of recognizing Beijing. “We firmly oppose any form of official contact between Costa Rica and Taiwan,” the embassy said in a statement, urging Costa Rica to honor its agreement, which views Taiwan as an inseparable part of China. The 2007 diplomatic pivot came with generous promises from China, including $130 million in aid and $300 million in bond purchases. But Costa Rica’s recent actions appear to be re-engaging Taiwan, raising concerns in Beijing.
The DIS visit isn’t an isolated incident. Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) also sent a delegation to Taiwan to court investment in its semiconductor sector, as confirmed by Trade Minister Manuel Tovar. These moves are adding to mounting tensions with China, especially after Costa Rica excluded Chinese tech giant Huawei from its 5G infrastructure in 2023 due to national security concerns.
The developments come at a delicate time, as China ramps up pressure on countries to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. Since Costa Rica’s diplomatic switch in 2007, nations like Panama and Honduras have followed suit, leaving Taiwan with only a few formal allies. Costa Rica’s recent engagements may signal a subtle realignment toward the United States, which unofficially supports Taiwan and is at odds with China over issues like trade and technology.
