Leaders of Taiwan and Guatemala have agreed to strengthen diplomatic ties amid increasing pressure by China to isolate Taiwan.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in Guatemala on Friday for talks with her Guatemalan counterpart Alejandro Giammattei.

Giammattei later told a joint news conference that Guatemala, as a peace-loving country, is committed to respecting Taiwan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He said diplomatic relations between Taiwan and Guatemala are so strong that no one can destroy them.

Tsai expressed her gratitude for Guatemala's support. She said she expects Taiwan and Guatemala to continue to work hand-in-hand based on a strong foundation and mutually develop a "win-win" situation.

Tsai is also scheduled to visit Belize in a bid to strengthen ties with that country.

China has stepped up its efforts to isolate Taiwan in the international community since Tsai became president in 2016. Some countries have cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

On March 26, Guatemala's neighbor Honduras switched its diplomatic recognition to China, severing ties with Taiwan.