Honduras seeks diplomatic relations with China

In a political U-turn, Honduras wants to establish diplomatic relations with China – and will therefore have to cut ties with Taiwan. President Xiomara Castro said on Twitter that she had instructed the State Department to "organize the establishment of official relations with the People's Republic of China." The government in Taiwan warned of a "wrong decision" and a "China trap".

Although Castro did not comment explicitly on Taiwan, her announcement makes it clear that Honduras must sever diplomatic ties with Taipei. The Central American country is currently one of only 14 countries worldwide to have officially recognized Taiwan. Beijing regards the island, which has been seceded since 1949, as a breakaway territory and does not accept a country having diplomatic ties with both China and Taiwan.

Taiwan immediately responded to the announcement, urging Honduras not to make the "wrong decision". "We ask Honduras to think carefully and not fall into a trap set by China," the Taipei Foreign Ministry said. The long-standing good relations between the two countries should not be "damaged".

Castro's announced move to Beijing comes just over a month after Honduras started negotiations with China about the construction of a new hydroelectric power station.

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