Honduras breaks diplomatic relations with Taiwan

Honduras and China announced the establishment of diplomatic relations this weekend, a few hours after the Central American country made official the termination of those it had had with Taiwan since 1941.

The foreign ministers of Honduras, Eduardo Reina, and China, Qin Gang, signed in Beijing “Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Honduras” formalizing the ties between the two nations.

Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, described it as “deeply regrettable” that Honduras broke off diplomatic relations with the island to open them with China and assured that Taiwan “will not succumb to the pressure and coercion of China’s authoritarian government”.

The move comes eleven days after the president of Honduras, Xiomara Castroannounced his intention to establish ties with the Asian giant.

The press release states that the opening of relations takes effect from the day of signing and that the two countries agree to “develop friendly relations based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence”.

“The Government of Honduras recognizes that there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the only government legally representing China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of its territory,” it continued.

According to the text, Honduras “as of this day must cut off ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan and undertake not to develop any official relations or exchanges” with the island.

The signing marked the first public appearance in China of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Honduraswho traveled to Beijing three days ago to negotiate the opening of diplomatic ties with that Asian country, a trip to which Taiwan responded by withdrawing its ambassador to that country.

The Chinese ambassador to Panama, Wei Qiang, welcomed this decision by the Central American country.

“Historic, correct decision, in full accordance with long-term national interests and the fundamental principles and norms of international law. Another strong demonstration of international consensus around the principle of one China“, He said.