Honduras formed diplomatic ties with China on Sunday, March 26, 2023 after breaking off relations with Taiwan.
Foreign Ministers from China and Honduras signed a joint communique in Beijing; a decision the Chinese Foreign Ministry lauded as “the right choice.”
The new relations come amid increased friction between Beijing and the United States. The new China-Honduras relationship was announced after the Honduran and Taiwanese governments made separate announcements that they were severing ties.
The Honduran Foreign Ministry disclosed in a statement on Twitter that its government recognizes “only one China in the world” and that Beijing “is the only legitimate government that represents all of China.”
The statement added that “Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and as of today, the Honduran government has informed Taiwan of the severance of diplomatic relations, pledging not to have any official relationship or contact with Taiwan.”
Taiwan Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu informed a news conference on Sunday, March 26, 2023, that Taiwan ended its relations with Honduras to “safeguard its sovereignty and dignity.”
Wu divulged that Honduran President, Xiomara Castro and her team always had a “fantasy” about China and had raised the issue of switching ties before the Presidential election in Honduras in 2021. He added that Relations between Taiwan and Honduras were once stable but China had not stopped luring Honduras.
Honduras had asked Taiwan for billions of dollars of aid and compared its proposals with China’s, Wu said. About two weeks ago, the Honduran government sought $2.45 billion from Taiwan to build a hospital and a dam, and to write off debts, he added.
“The Castro government dismissed our nation’s longstanding assistance and relations and carried out talks to form diplomatic ties with China. Our government feels pained and regretful.”
Taiwan Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu
Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen averred that her government would not “engage in a meaningless contest of dollar diplomacy with China.”
“Over these past few years, China has persistently used various means to suppress Taiwan’s international participation, escalate military intrusion, and disrupt peace and stability in the region.”
Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen
Tsai’s office Spokesperson, Olivia Lin noted in a statement that relations between both sides had lasted for more than 80 years.
It “Is All Going To Be Illusory”
Analysts have warned over the implications of the newly formed ties between China and Honduras. Political Analys, Graco Pérez in Honduras opined that Beijing’s narrative would highlight the benefits, including investment and job creation, “but that is all going to be illusory.”
Pérez noted that some other countries have established such relations, but “it didn’t turn out to be what had been offered.”
For decades China has channeled billions of dollars into investment and infrastructure projects across Latin America. That investment has translated to rising power for China and a growing number of allies.
In Honduras, it has come in the form of construction of a hydroelectric dam project in central Honduras built by the Chinese company, Sinohydro, with about $300 million in Chinese government financing.
Honduras is the ninth diplomatic ally that Taipei has lost to Beijing since pro-independence President, Tsai Ing-wen first took office in May 2016. Taiwan is now recognized by only 13 sovereign states.
Taiwan still has ties with Belize, Paraguay and Guatemala in Latin America, and Vatican City. Most of its remaining partners are island nations in the Caribbean and South Pacific, along with Eswatini in southern Africa.
China and Taiwan have been locked in a battle for diplomatic recognition since the sides split amid civil war in 1949, with Beijing spending billions to win recognition for its “one China” policy.
China claims Taiwan is part of its territory, to be brought under its control by force if necessary, and refuses most contacts with countries that maintain formal ties with the island democracy. It threatens retaliation against countries merely for increasing contacts.
Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen is set to begin a 10-day trip on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, with visits to Guatemala and Belize. Her delegation will also stop in New York and Los Angeles. Taiwan’s Vice Foreign Minister, Alexander Yui said earlier that the purpose of Tsai’s trip is to highlight the island’s friendship with the two Latin American countries.
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