Taiwan has ended diplomatic ties with Honduras. That was the word from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Sunday morning.
The announcement came shortly after Honduras announced it had formally cut ties with the Republic of China (ROC), which is Taiwan’s official name. Over a week ago, Honduran President Xiomara Castro said her administration was seeking formal ties with Beijing. Castro had also expressed this intention when she ran for president two years ago.
This leaves Taiwan with 13 official diplomatic allies. Honduras was the ninth diplomatic partner that switched allegiance to China during the seven years of President Tsai Ing-wen’s time in office.
Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina arrived in Beijing earlier this week to establish formal diplomatic ties with Beijing. Taiwan also recalled its ambassador from Honduras last week.
Honduran officials had said establishing ties with China was important for their weak economy. Vice Foreign Minister Antonio García had requested US$2 billion (NT$60 billion) in loans at least four different times during meetings with Taiwanese officials. Taiwan did not commit to giving the loans. Taiwan’s foreign ministry also warned Honduras not to fall into China’s debt trap.
President Tsai Ing-wen is set to leave for a trip this week to visit Belize and Guatemala, Taiwan’s two remaining allies in Latin America. She will also make transit stops in the United States.