Honduras opens embassy in China after breaking off ties with Taiwan

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According to Chinese state media, Honduras officially opened its embassy in Beijing on Sunday. This development comes several months after the Central American nation severed diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favor of establishing ties with China.

During the embassy’s inauguration on Sunday morning, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and his Honduran counterpart Enrique Reina were present, as reported by China’s official CCTV. The news stated that Honduras is yet to determine the permanent location of the embassy and intends to increase its staff in due course.

In a statement from China’s Foreign Ministry, Qin Gang pledged to establish a “friendly cooperation” model between China and Honduras, emphasizing the ability of countries with different sizes and systems to work together harmoniously.

This milestone symbolizes the strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations and occurred during the six-day visit of Honduran President Xiomara Castro to China.

Honduras officially established formal diplomatic relations with China in March, joining the list of countries that have chosen to end ties with Taiwan. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and intends to retake it by force if necessary. Consequently, China prohibits its diplomatic partners from having formal relations with Taipei.

TAIWAN

• US confirms the existence of a Chinese spy base in Cuba since at least 2019
• Taiwan’s president vows to enhance the island’s defense capabilities with new technologies
• Honduran president commences first visit to China following termination of ties with Taiwan
• US, Japanese, and Philippine coast guard ships conduct law enforcement exercises near the South China Sea

Taiwan continues to face mounting military threats from Beijing. On Sunday, Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that ten Chinese warplanes breached the unofficial median line of the Taiwan Strait, a boundary that was previously accepted by both sides. In response, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems.

President Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking her first visit to China since establishing diplomatic relations. During her stay in Shanghai, she visited the headquarters of the New Development Bank, an institution established by the BRICS nations, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. On Saturday, Castro’s office tweeted that Honduras had applied for admission to the bank.

The president also paid a visit to a research center belonging to technology giant Huawei before arriving in Beijing on Saturday night, as reported by China’s official Global Times newspaper.

The diplomatic breakthrough in March was considered a triumph for China, particularly amid escalating tensions between Beijing and the United States, including China’s increasing assertiveness towards Taiwan. Furthermore, it underscored China’s growing influence in Latin America.

Since their split during a civil war in 1949, China and Taiwan have been engaged in a diplomatic recognition battle, with Beijing investing substantial resources to secure support for its “one China” policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Honduras-China Diplomatic Relations

More about Honduras-China Diplomatic Relations

• Honduras Opens Embassy in China After Cutting Ties with Taiwan
• China’s Foreign Ministry Statement on Friendly Cooperation with Honduras
• Taiwan’s Defense Ministry Reports Incursion of Chinese Warplanes
• Honduran President’s Visit to China Highlights Growing Ties
• China’s “One China” Policy and Taiwan
• China’s Growing Influence in Latin America