Honduras was so far one of only 14 countries to have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, but announced in mid-March that it was establishing relations with China. Thus, it is expected that Honduras will now secede from Taiwan, as China does not accept the countries having relations with both Beijing and the government in Taipei.
Latin America has been an important diplomatic battlefield for China and Taiwan. However, in recent years several countries in the region have chosen to switch from Taiwan to China – Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.
In an effort to woo Taiwan’s allies, China has increased investment in Latin American countries in recent years.
China builds dams
Honduras’ announcement comes two days after Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Reyna visited China to discuss relations.
In February, Rina presented plans for a new Chinese-funded dam. China has already financed the construction of another dam in Honduras with a $300 million loan. Taiwan believes that Honduras was deceived by China.
– Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said in a press conference that President (Xiomara) Castro and her regime have delusions about China, adding:
China has not stopped trying to lure Honduras away through economic incentives.
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