Honduras and China establish diplomatic ties, Taiwan alleges "coercion and intimidation"

Taipei: Central American nation Honduras on Sunday established formal diplomatic ties with China. It has also officially severed ties with Taiwan.

After Tegucigalpa announced the end of its alliance with Taipei, Beijing announced the new relationship. Earlier in March, Reina said the country is shifting alliances due to economic necessity. The Honduran government had asked Taiwan to increase financial aid and realign the debt of $600 million owed to Taipei.

The Chinese foreign ministry statement said the governments of Honduras and China have decided to recognise each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, effective immediately. Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina and his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang signed a joint communique. China welcomes (Honduran) President Xiomara Castro to visit China at an early date," said Qin.

Quin further reiterated that China "sternly admonish(ed)" Taiwan's government for "engaging in activities that promote Taiwanese independence and separatism".

"The government of the Republic of Honduras recognises the existence of only one China in the world, and that the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory," said the statement from Honduras foreign ministry.

Taiwan accused China of using "coercion and intimidation" to lure away its few remaining allies. Now only 13 countries diplomatically recognise Taiwan. The island nation has lost several Latin American allies in recent years. "China has suppressed the international space of (Taiwan) for a long time, unilaterally endangering regional peace and stability," said a statement from President Tsai Ing-wen's office. In Taipei, government officials removed the blue and white banners of their former ally Honduras.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu alleged that Beijing has offered "financial incentives" to lure away the country's allies. "After our negotiations with (Honduras) came to no avail we have decided to terminate diplomatic relations effective immediately to maintain our national sovereignty and dignity. We will end all cooperation projects and close our embassy," he said.

He added that Taiwan still views itself as an "independent sovereign country". "Our country will not succumb to the pressure and intimidation by the Chinese authoritarian government, and we will uphold the values of freedom and democracy."

He further said that the Honduran government demanded that Taipei provide billions of US dollars in financial aid. The Caribbean nation is one of the poorest in the region with almost 74% of its population living in poverty. Its new relations with China have led to the building of a hydroelectric dam. Beijing said the new alliance stands to "enhance friendly cooperation" that benefits both nations.

In the recent past, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica switched alliances to China. Guatemala and Belize are the two remaining allies and President Tsai is scheduled to visit both soon.