This is a setback for Taiwan, which is losing another ally. China and Honduras established diplomatic relations on Sunday, March 26, after severing relations a few hours earlier between Tegucigalpa and Taipei, which is now recognized by only 13 countries in the world.
“The two governments decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations”China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
sequel after announcement
China considers the island of Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, to be one of its provinces that has not yet been able to reunite it with the rest of its territory since the end of the civil war. The conflict ended in 1949, pitting the Communists (who eventually took power in China) against the Nationalist army (which was forced to retreat to the island).
In seven decades, the communist army has not been able to occupy the island, which has remained in control “Republic of China” – which once ruled all of China and now only rules Taiwan.
During a ceremony in Beijing, Honduras’ foreign minister, Enrique Reina, signed with his Chinese counterpart, Qin Gang, a document recognizing the establishment of diplomatic relations. Then they toasted in front of the flags of their countries.
Honduran bid?
We are pleased to welcome (Honduras) President Xiomara Castro to China as soon as possible.Qin Gang said, looking forward to bilateral relations “which will benefit both countries and their peoples”.
sequel after announcement
“Let us send this message to the Taiwanese authorities: Promoting independence and secession in Taiwan, and acting against the will and interests of the Chinese nation (…) is a dead end.”
Basim “One China Principle”Beijing does not allow foreign countries to establish diplomatic relations with it, and simultaneously with Taipei.
In a press release from his ministry published on Saturday evening, Enrique Reina indicated that he had informed Taiwan of this The decision to sever diplomatic relations. In response, Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu on Sunday accused Honduras “delusion” About Chinese promises of economic aid.
During a press conference in Taipei, he also accused Tegucigalpa of giving in more in recent weeks in order to obtain financing.
Checkbook diplomacy
Enrique Reyna protested on 15 March “big needs” In Honduras in economic affairs and Taiwan’s refusal to increase its assistance to justify the desire to establish relations with Beijing.
sequel after announcement
“The severing of diplomatic relations between our country and Honduras is part of a series of coercion and intimidation by China.”Office of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen reported.
In a message on Facebook, she ruled “regrettable” Cut ties with Tegucigalpa.
We will not engage China in an empty battle to implement checkbook diplomacy. To keep allies, she said.
“It is important to note that (China) has often made, in return for diplomatic recognition, promises that are ultimately not kept.” American Institute in Taiwan’s response – de facto US Embassy on the island.
The Vatican, Haiti, and Paraguay…
Chinese authorities have sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically since Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016.
She comes from a party that has traditionally supported independence. An absolute red line for Beijing, which is threatening to intervene militarily to prevent such a scenario and has increased its economic and military pressure on the island.
sequel after announcement
In recent years, Beijing has already removed many Latin American allies from Taipei. Among the countries that still have diplomatic relations with Taiwan are the Vatican, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Paraguay, the Pacific Island nations, and Haiti.
The new diplomatic setback comes as Tsai Ing-wen is set to leave on Wednesday for a trip to two of his last allies, Belize and Guatemala. It must stop in the United States, an initiative Beijing has condemned.
US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he will meet Tsai Ing-wen in California, as the US State Department said the planned trip is a ” Crossing “ instead of “visit”.
