A Costa Rican media outlet says the country recently sent a group of
intelligence officials to Taiwan for a short-term training program.

It mark the first time the Central American country has sent intelligence
personnel to Taiwan since both sides ended official diplomatic relations in
2007.

Reports say five officials from the Directorate of Intelligence and Security
spent 23 days in Taipei in May undergoing a series of training sessions
related to safeguarding Costa Rica's national security.

The Costa Rican government has not confirmed the reports.

However, the Chinese embassy in Costa Rica lodged a protest with the
government there - the office expressed Beijing's opposition to any official
contact between Taiwan and Costa Rica while reiterating that Taiwan is part
of China.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs here denies any knowledge of the training
program.

While the National Security Bureau says "it is its responsibility to promote
international intelligence exchange and cooperation" but never "comments on
individual cases."