Taiwan has recalled its ambassador from Honduras as the Central American country establishes official ties with China. The official visit of the Honduran foreign minister to Beijing is the last straw for the Taipei government.
According to Taiwan, Honduras with this trip ignores “more than eighty years of friendship” between the two countries. “It has greatly harmed our government and our people,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry said. Honduras is currently one of only fourteen countries in the world to officially recognize Taiwan. If Honduras establishes official relations with China, there will be thirteen from now on. After all, Beijing doesn’t do business with countries that recognize Taiwan, Beijing regards the island as a renegade province.
“By sending Foreign Minister Reina to China to discuss diplomatic relations, the Honduran government is ignoring the diplomatic friendship between Taiwan and Honduras that has existed for more than 80 years,” the Taiwanese foreign ministry wrote.
Question of money
Taiwan hinted this week that Honduras’ rotation is about the money. Honduras, heavily in debt, reportedly asked for an amount of 2.5 billion dollars. When Taiwan refused, the Central American country allegedly turned to Beijing. Honduras and China label this story nonsense. They admit that they have negotiated investments in, for example, a new dam. Beijing, which welcomes the Honduran rapprochement, says it is ready to establish relations.
Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
