China often makes promises in exchange for recognition that remain unfulfilled, the de facto US embassy in Taipei said yesterday as Honduras moves to end its longstanding ties with Taiwan in favor of China.
Honduran Minister of Foreign Affairs Enrique Reina traveled to China this week to open relations after Honduran President Xiomara Castro said her government would forge ties with Beijing.
Honduras is one of only 14 countries that formally recognize Taiwan.
Photo: I-Hwa Cheng, Reuters
At stake is China’s growing footprint in Central America, once a steadfast base for Taiwan and where the US is worried about Beijing’s expanding influence in its back yard.
The American Institute in Taiwan said that while Honduras’ possible severing of ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing was a sovereign decision, China does not always follow through on its promises.
“It is important to note the PRC often makes promises in exchange for diplomatic recognition that ultimately remain unfulfilled,” a spokesperson said, referring to the People’s Republic of China.
“Regardless of Honduras’ decision, the United States will continue to deepen and expand our engagement with Taiwan in line with our longstanding ‘one China’ policy,” the spokesperson added.
Taiwan is a reliable, likeminded, and democratic partner, and its partnerships globally provide “significant and sustainable benefits to the citizens of those countries,” the spokesperson said.
“We strongly encourage all countries to expand engagement with Taiwan and to continue to stand on the side of democracy, good governance, transparency and adherence to the rule of law,” the spokesperson added.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but it has previously said its relations with Taiwan’s former diplomatic allies have brought them tangible benefits.
Members of the Honduran community in Taipei gathered at National Taiwan University yesterday to express their thanks in what they said was a non-political event.
“We are so thankful for the opportunities Taiwan has given us,” said Honduran Billy Parebes, 27, who arrived in Taiwan as a student.
“Taiwan has provided us education, they have provided so many projects that have developed our country, like renewable energy, agriculture,” he said.
The Honduras drama is happening ahead of a high-profile visit to the US and Central America by President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文). Tsai is expected to meet US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles at the end of the trip.
Neither China nor Honduras has announced any establishment of diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic sources in Taipei said that this is a departure from previous practice whereby an announcement on severing ties with Taiwan in favor of China normally happens quickly, with Taipei only receiving a few hours notice beforehand.
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