Relations between Taiwan and Honduras are in a very difficult time. That was the word from Foreign Minister Joseph Wu (吳釗燮) on Thursday while speaking at the legislature.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced last week that her country would seek to establish ties with China, signaling that its relationship with Taiwan may soon end. That’s because Beijing does not allow countries to maintain official diplomatic relations with it and Taiwan at the same time. On Wednesday, Honduras’ Foreign Minister traveled to China to begin the process of establishing ties.
Wu says China’s involvement in Taiwan’s relationship with Honduras is clear as Beijing has put considerable effort to pressure Taiwan’s diplomatic space. But, he says Taiwanese diplomatic personnel in Honduras are still working hard and are keeping close contact with officials in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, Wu also answered concerns that a presidential election in diplomatic partner Paraguay may result in a new government less inclined towards Taiwan. Wu answered a recent delegation of legislators from Paraguay that included members of the opposition who personally told him only a minority of politicians favor ties with China.