No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaMike Pompeo advises Costa Rica about economic ties with China

Mike Pompeo advises Costa Rica about economic ties with China

During a press conference following Tuesday’s meeting with President Carlos Alvarado, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urged Costa Rica to consider the potential ramifications of a strong alliance with China.

“The United States approaches our economic relationship in the spirit of partnership,” Pompeo said. “That’s a stark contrast to the flashy promises from the Chinese government that have often produced only debt, dependency, and even the erosion of sovereignty from some nations.”

Costa Rica established diplomatic ties with China in 2007, severing its ties with Taiwan. The new alliance has resulted in Costa Rica’s new National Stadium — a gift from China — and a cooperation agreement as part of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Pompeo added Tuesday that the U.S. will “continue to support” business growth in Costa Rica.

“Costa Rica has done good work and is being rewarded for that with good jobs for the Costa Rican people, and we will continue to support American business providing foreign direct investment into your country to help you grow and create prosperity for Costa Rica,” Pompeo said.

President Alvarado did not publicly respond to Pompeo’s comments on China.

The Chinese embassy in Costa Rica said Pompeo’s comments were “arbitrary and without grounds,” according to Reuters.

Following the joint press conference, Pompeo visited the Joint Operations Center (Base 2) at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela.

The Secretary of State “reiterated the importance of Costa Rica as a U.S. partner in the fight against drug trafficking,” according to Casa Presidencial, and was shown helicopters and planes operated by Costa Rican authorities that were donated or purchased with financial support from the United States.

This story was updated at 9 a.m. on Jan. 22 with comments from the Chinese Embassy. 

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Blue Carpet event unites Leaders for Ocean Innovation and Tourism

On Friday, the Costa Rican Fishing Federation (FECOP) held the second edition of La Alfombra Azul, an event created to celebrate innovation, science, and...

Trump Authorizes CIA Ops in Venezuela as US Weighs Land Strikes

United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday authorized CIA operations against Venezuela and said he was considering carrying out ground attacks against drug cartels...

What Camera Traps Miss Chasing Jaguars in Costa Rica

Five years ago, I began my journey using camera traps in wildlife monitoring projects in Costa Rica. A few years after that I began...

From Costa Rica to the US an Expat Longing For Home

There are close to 200,000 people of Tico origin presently living in the US. I have spent the past month in an area where...

Costa Rica Sport Fishing Industry Pushes 2026 Presidential Candidates

Leaders from Costa Rica’s tourism and sport fishing industry gathered last week to push for stronger marine policies, pressing presidential hopefuls to commit to...

Costa Rica Faces Calls to Strengthen Shark Protection Enforcement

Costa Rica faces growing pressure from environmental experts and lawyers to tighten enforcement of laws protecting endangered sharks. Recent court rulings have highlighted gaps...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica