BEIJING: Honduras officially inaugurated its embassy in China on Sunday, marking a significant diplomatic shift as the Central American nation transitioned its allegiance from Taipei to Beijing.
China, which considers Taiwan as part of its territory, has long been committed to eventual reunification with the island. In its pursuit of this goal, China does not tolerate recognition of both Beijing and Taipei by other countries and has successfully enticed several of Taiwan’s allies to switch diplomatic recognition through economic incentives.
Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina, speaking to Chinese state media, expressed optimism about the new chapter in bilateral relations, stating that the establishment of diplomatic ties between Honduras and China would create fresh opportunities for cooperation and mutual development.
The embassy’s inauguration ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque for the new embassy. Honduran President Xiomara Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday for a five-day visit aimed at solidifying the burgeoning relationship between the two nations.
Honduras’ President to Meet Chinese Counterpart in Beijing
During her visit, Castro is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing and is expected to sign various agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation. Foreign Minister Reina had previously announced that China had already opened its market to imports of Honduran products such as melons, shrimp, bananas, and more.
The ceremony on Sunday was attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, who warmly greeted Minister Reina in front of a display of Chinese and Honduran flags, as reported by the official Xinhua news agency. In March, Honduras severed its diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of establishing relations with Beijing.
This decision reduced the number of countries that officially recognize Taipei to just 13. China reciprocated the move by opening an embassy in the Honduran capital of Tegucigalpa earlier this week, underscoring the deepening diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The embassy inauguration and the subsequent high-level meetings between Honduran and Chinese officials mark a significant milestone in China’s diplomatic efforts to expand its global influence while pressuring Taiwan’s international standing.
