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Recognizing one China, Honduras breaks diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Photo/Reuters
TEGUCIGALPA – Honduras has severed its diplomatic relations with Taiwan . The Latin American country made the announcement on Saturday local time, saying it recognized “only one China in the world.”
The announcement by the Honduran Foreign Ministry posted on Twitter, and also reported by Chinese broadcaster CCTV, comes amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington, including China’s increasing assertiveness towards self-ruled Taiwan. The move leaves Taiwan only recognized by 13 sovereign nations.
“The government of the Republic of Honduras recognizes the existence of only one China in the world and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and as of today, the Honduran government has notified Taiwan of severing diplomatic ties, pledging not to have formal relations or contact with Taiwan,” the statement continued. Sunday (26/3/2023).
Honduras is the ninth diplomatic ally to cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and switch ties to China since pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen first took office in May 2016.
China and Taiwan have been locked in a battle for diplomatic recognition since the two sides split amid a 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 controlled by force if necessary. Beijing refuses to make contact with a country that maintains formal ties with the democratic island. The country threatens retaliation against countries only to increase contact.
Taiwan currently 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.
Despite China’s isolation campaign, Taiwan maintains strong informal relations with more than 100 other countries, most notably the United States (US). The US does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan but maintains that Taipei is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific.
(ian)
