Ten Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, normally an unofficial barrier between the mainland and the island, Taiwan’s defence ministry has said.

Nine Chinese fighter jets and one military drone crossed the median line in the 24 hours to 6am on Saturday, the ministry said in its daily report on Chinese military activities.

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Taiwan sent aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems monitored them, the ministry said, using standard wording for its response.

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained in recent years of almost daily missions by the Chinese air force near the democratically governed island, often in the south-western part of its air defence identification zone.

Beijing has threatened unspecified retaliation if the Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, who is now travelling in the Americas, should meet the US House of Representatives' speaker, Kevin McCarthy. She is expected to meet him in Los Angeles on her way back to Taipei this month from Central America.

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China staged war games around Taiwan in August after the then speaker, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taipei and has continued military activities near Taiwan, though on a reduced scale.

A senior Taiwanese official told Reuters this week China was unlikely to repeat such large exercises, but all preparations were made in case China reacted “irrationally“.

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Separately, nine Chinese aircraft crossed the median line on Friday carrying out combat readiness patrols, a move that Taiwan’s defence ministry said “deliberately created tension” and undermined peace and stability. 
 
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Ten Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, normally an unofficial barrier between the mainland and the island, Taiwan’s defence ministry has said.

Ten Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, normally an unofficial barrier between the mainland and the island, Taiwan’s defence ministry has said. Nine Chinese fighter jets and one military drone crossed the median line in the 24 hours to 6am on Saturday, the ministry said in its daily report on Chinese military activities. Also Read | Deadly avalanches in Norway kill four including tourists, house sweeps into sea Taiwan sent aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems monitored them, the ministry said, using standard wording for its response. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained in recent years of almost daily missions by the Chinese air force near the democratically governed island, often in the south-western part of its air defence identification zone. Beijing has threatened unspecified retaliation if the Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, who is now travelling in the Americas, should meet the US House of Representatives' speaker, Kevin McCarthy. She is expected to meet him in Los Angeles on her way back to Taipei this month from Central America. Also Read | Love-themed spring break in Chinese colleges as nation scurries to tackle population decline China staged war games around Taiwan in August after the then speaker, Nancy Pelosi, visited Taipei and has continued military activities near Taiwan, though on a reduced scale. A senior Taiwanese official told Reuters this week China was unlikely to repeat such large exercises, but all preparations were made in case China reacted “irrationally“. Watch | Will Artificial Intelligence be the end of mankind? | This World × Separately, nine Chinese aircraft crossed the median line on Friday carrying out combat readiness patrols, a move that Taiwan’s defence ministry said “deliberately created tension” and undermined peace and stability. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese jets, drone crossed Taiwan Strait median line, says island’s defence ministry

Taiwanese Defence Ministry has stated that 10 Chinese planes breached the median line of the Taiwan Strait. The ministry further stated that Taiwan sent aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft while missile systems monitor them.

Taiwan Defence Ministry: Sent aircraft to warn Chinese aircraft

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on a sensitive US stopover on Wednesday, vowing en route not to let external pressure prevent the island from engaging with the world after China threatened retaliation if she met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Ties with the US closer than ever, says Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen

The president of Taiwan, Tsia Ing-Wen, is visiting Latin America for ten days. She left Taiwan on Wednesday and arrived in New York. The president of Taiwan declared that his country will firmly travel the path of freedom and democracy and will interact with the rest of the world, highlighting the fact that while the path is difficult, Taiwan is not travelling it alone.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen warned against meeting US speaker

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen's US trip stirs concern in China

China has warned Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen against meeting U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during her 10-day diplomatic trip to Central America. Could the meeting trigger a war? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: China warns Taiwan's President against meeting U.S. House speaker

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on a sensitive U.S. stopover on Wednesday, vowing en route not to let external pressure prevent the island from engaging with the world after China threatened retaliation if she met U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Taiwan president starts sensitive U.S. stopover; China warns against meetings

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on Wednesday amid a crowd of supporters and protesters. Tsai's stopover in the US, the first of the two has been dubbed a 'provocation' by China.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on Wednesday amid a crowd of supporters and protesters. Tsai's stopover in the US, the first of the two has been dubbed a 'provocation' by China. A crowd of protesters carrying signs with slogans “there is only one China in the world”, “support China’s reunification and resolutely oppose Taiwan independence” and “Taiwan independence has no way out, Taiwan independence is a dead end” could've spotted outside the New York hotel where she is staying. Meanwhile, one of Tsai's supporters took on the protesters by holding a sign that said, “Taiwan so awesome, even China can’t stop talking about us”. While the two-day New York visit has been officially called a transit stopover, Beijing continues to assert it is an attempt by the US to propagate 'Taiwan independence'. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian openly condemned the visit. "We firmly oppose this and will definitely take measures to resolutely fight back," said the spokesperson before adding, “The trip is not so much a ‘transit’, but an attempt to seek breakthroughs and propagate ‘Taiwan independence’." ALSO READ | China threatens to retaliate if US House Speaker meets Taiwan president; Washington says this China's continuous remarks on Tsai's visit also stem from the fact that she might be meeting US House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, in Los Angeles on her return journey. After former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island nation in August 2022, China upped the ante on Taiwan. During the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) congress last year, Xi asserted that the Taiwan matter was for the Chinese people only. Thus, experts are wary that the Tsai-McCarthy meeting could trigger another round of conflict. WATCH | Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen's trip to Central America has worried China × While China continues its aggressive posturing, Taiwan has focused its attention on developing weapons and equipment, anticipating a blockade of the Taiwan Strait by China. Earlier this month, the Taiwanese defence ministry mentioned the pivot in strategy. China considers Taiwan a part of its territory but the island nation and its people have never accepted Beijing's control. However, after Beijing staged war games around the island, fired indiscriminate missiles and declared it a no-fly zone last year in an attempt to simulate how it would look to cut Taiwan off in case of a potential conflict, Taipei has taken evasive actions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Taiwanese president arrives in New York, greeted by supporters and protesters alike

The president of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-Wen, is visiting Latin America for ten days. She left Taiwan on Wednesday and arrived in New York. The president of Taiwan declared that his country will firmly travel the path of freedom and democracy and will interact with the rest of the world, highlighting the fact that while the path is difficult, Taiwan is not travelling it alone.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen's US visit denounced by the Chinese community in New York

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen's trip to Central America builds tensions in China

People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestor, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday at the start of a historic visit to China that Taiwan's ruling party has criticised.

‘We are all Chinese’ says ex-Taiwan president on China visit

The Chinese government's Taiwan policy body warned Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, that her meeting with officials of the United States would be a provocation, causing instability in the Taiwan Strait, and vowed to retaliate strongly.

China warns Taiwan: Taiwan President to make stopover in US, may meet McCarthy

China warns Taiwan ahead of president Tsai Ing-Wen's us trip, threatens retaliation

Is Taiwan facing an internal rift? Taiwan's former President is on a visit to the mainland. He recently said that people on both sides are 'Chinese'. What do we make of this? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Has China split Taiwan's leaders? Taiwan's Ex-President visits Mainland

Gravitas: Has China split Taiwan's leaders?

China on Wednesday (March 29) threatened to retaliate if United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her planned transit of the US next month, by saying any such move would be a provocation.

China on Wednesday (March 29) threatened to retaliate if United States House Speaker Kevin McCarthy meets Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her planned transit of the US next month, by saying any such move would be a provocation. Taiwanese President Tsai is due to depart on Wednesday for a trip to Guatemala and Belize that will see her transit through New York and Los Angeles. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, while it is not officially confirmed, Tsai is expected to meet US House Speaker McCarthy in California, at the end of her trip. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said that Tsai's transits to the US were not just her waiting at the airport or hotel, but for her to meet American officials and lawmakers. ALSO READ | In big blow to Taiwan, decades-old ally Honduras establishes diplomatic ties with China Fenglian said that if Tsai has contact with McCarthy, it would be another provocation that seriously violates the one-China principle, harms China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and destroys peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. "We firmly oppose this and will definitely take measures to resolutely fight back," the spokesperson added. The Taiwanese president's transits come at a time when US relations with China are at their worst level since Washington normalised ties with Beijing in 1979 and switched diplomatic recognition from Taipei. And President Tsai's trip also comes after Honduras said that it was switching recognition to China. Only 13 countries, including Guatemala and Belize, officially recognise Taiwan over China. Beijing has repeatedly warned US officials not to meet Tsai, viewing it as support for Taiwan's desire to be seen as a separate country. In August last year, China staged war games around Taiwan when then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei. China should not 'overreact' to stopover: Washington A senior US official said early Wednesday that China should not "overreact" to Taiwanese President Tsai's stopover in the US, the news agency AFP reported. "There's absolutely no reason for China to use that as a pretext to overreact or to engage in further coercion directed at Taiwan," the official, who did not wish to be identified, told reporters. ALSO READ | 'We are all Chinese', says former Taiwan president while visiting China The official added that the US would carry out a transit that is fully consistent with that policy and decades' worth of practice. The official also pointed out that Beijing would not pressurise Washington "to alter our longstanding practice" on such visits. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China threatens to retaliate if US House Speaker meets Taiwan president; Washington says this

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday (March 28) that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestors. Ma's comments came at the start of a historic visit to China, which has gained attention globally.&nbsp;

In comments provided by his office, Ma said, "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people, and are both descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors."

Before boarding his plane at Taoyuan International Airport, Ma said, "I have waited for 36 years for this chance to visit the mainland."&nbsp;

Ma began his China 12-day tour on Monday. He is visiting the nation in a private capacity and bringing a delegation of academics and college students for exchanges. The trip, however, has a political meaning as well.&nbsp;

He also became the first former or current Taiwanese head of government to make such a journey since the Chinese civil war ended more than seven decades ago.&nbsp;

The crucial tour has been questioned by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party after the nation lost a diplomatic ally, Honduras, leaving the island with official diplomatic ties with only 13 countries.&nbsp;

WATCH | Gravitas: Has China split Taiwan's leaders?&nbsp;

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China has claimed Taiwan as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s and claims that the island nation will defy the one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Taiwan has its own constitution and leaders are elected democratically and the US says it backs the sovereignty of the island nation.&nbsp;

The visit comes amid heightened tension between China and Taiwan as Beijing uses political and military means to try and pressure democratically governed Taiwan.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday (March 28) that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestors.

Former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Tuesday (March 28) that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are ethnically Chinese and share the same ancestors. Ma's comments came at the start of a historic visit to China, which has gained attention globally. In comments provided by his office, Ma said, "People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people, and are both descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors." Before boarding his plane at Taoyuan International Airport, Ma said, "I have waited for 36 years for this chance to visit the mainland." Ma began his China 12-day tour on Monday. He is visiting the nation in a private capacity and bringing a delegation of academics and college students for exchanges. The trip, however, has a political meaning as well. He also became the first former or current Taiwanese head of government to make such a journey since the Chinese civil war ended more than seven decades ago. The crucial tour has been questioned by Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party after the nation lost a diplomatic ally, Honduras, leaving the island with official diplomatic ties with only 13 countries. WATCH | Gravitas: Has China split Taiwan's leaders? × China has claimed Taiwan as its own territory since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s and claims that the island nation will defy the one-nation policy by pushing for formal independence. Beijing even claimed that, in case needed, it will use force to unite the two territories. On the other hand, Taiwan has its own constitution and leaders are elected democratically and the US says it backs the sovereignty of the island nation. The visit comes amid heightened tension between China and Taiwan as Beijing uses political and military means to try and pressure democratically governed Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We are all Chinese', says former Taiwan president while visiting China

The Taiwanese President has visited the US which has stirred concerns in China. Any meeting between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will be considered a significant provocation by both the US and Taiwan, according to China.

Beijing: Will respond if Tsai meets US House speaker

China vows to fight back on Taiwanese President Tsai Ing Wen's Central America visit

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen's trip to Central America has worried China

In a huge political blow to Taiwan, China and Honduras announced the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on Sunday, as Taipei accused Beijing of using "coercion and intimidation" to lure away a few of its allies.

The announcement was made by China shortly after Tegucigalpa officially severed its diplomatic ties with Taipei.

"China and Honduras just established diplomatic relations," Hua Chunying, spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, tweeted.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-show-of-defiance-to-china-taiwan-president-speaks-with-czech-president-elect-557472">In a show of defiance to China, Taiwan president speaks with Czech president-elect</a>

Earlier on Saturday, Honduras announced that it has ended its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a move which drew Taipei's immediate rebuke as Tegucigalpa changed its allegiance&nbsp;to China.

Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said that after receiving instructions from President Xiomara Castro he "has communicated to Taiwan the decision to cease diplomatic relations," stated a ministry in a statement.

The formal announcement of severing diplomatic ties came two days after FM Reina's Beijing trip to discuss bilateral diplomatic ties' establishment, and 11 days after the switch was first announced by Castro.

Self-ruled democratic Taiwan is considered by China as part of its own territory and which it plans to retake one day, even by force, if required. As per the 'One China' policy, countries are not allowed to recognise both Taipei and Beijing.

"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," said the Honduras foreign ministry on Saturday.

"Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. As of this date, the government of Honduras has communicated to Taiwan the rupture of diplomatic relations, committing to no longer having any relationship or contact of an official nature with Taiwan," it stated.

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen claimed that the switch was "part of a series of China's coercion and intimidation". "China has suppressed the international space of (Taiwan) for a long time, unilaterally endangering regional peace and stability," stated a statement released by her office.

WATCH | China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan

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Confirming the breaking of ties, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu accused China 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.

Wu emphasised that Taiwan 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 stated.

The move of Honduras came after ending negotiations with China on constructing a hydroelectric dam in the country. Wu announced that Taipei was ending ties with Honduras after the announcement of Reina. 
 
The official account of the Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs&nbsp;tweeted, “With deep regret we announce the termination of diplomatic relations with Honduras. 82 years of friendship &amp; cooperation bringing real benefit to the peoples were dismissed by the Castro government. Taiwan remains unbowed &amp; continues to work as a force for good in the world.” 
 
Taiwan had recalled its ambassador to Honduras Vivia Chang who arrived home on Saturday (March 25) in protest against the expected switch in diplomatic recognition.

With the switch, Taiwan is left with 13 nations that recognise the country formally over China after losing many Latin American allies in recent years.

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(With inputs from agencies)

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In a huge political blow to Taiwan, China and Honduras announced the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on Sunday, as Taipei accused Beijing of using "coercion and intimidation" to lure away a few of its allies.

In a huge political blow to Taiwan, China and Honduras announced the establishment of formal diplomatic relations on Sunday, as Taipei accused Beijing of using "coercion and intimidation" to lure away a few of its allies. The announcement was made by China shortly after Tegucigalpa officially severed its diplomatic ties with Taipei. "China and Honduras just established diplomatic relations," Hua Chunying, spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, tweeted. ALSO READ | In a show of defiance to China, Taiwan president speaks with Czech president-elect Earlier on Saturday, Honduras announced that it has ended its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a move which drew Taipei's immediate rebuke as Tegucigalpa changed its allegiance to China. Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said that after receiving instructions from President Xiomara Castro he "has communicated to Taiwan the decision to cease diplomatic relations," stated a ministry in a statement. The formal announcement of severing diplomatic ties came two days after FM Reina's Beijing trip to discuss bilateral diplomatic ties' establishment, and 11 days after the switch was first announced by Castro. Self-ruled democratic Taiwan is considered by China as part of its own territory and which it plans to retake one day, even by force, if required. As per the 'One China' policy, countries are not allowed to recognise both Taipei and Beijing. "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," said the Honduras foreign ministry on Saturday. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. As of this date, the government of Honduras has communicated to Taiwan the rupture of diplomatic relations, committing to no longer having any relationship or contact of an official nature with Taiwan," it stated. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen claimed that the switch was "part of a series of China's coercion and intimidation". "China has suppressed the international space of (Taiwan) for a long time, unilaterally endangering regional peace and stability," stated a statement released by her office. WATCH | China's territorial ambitions, claims over Taiwan Confirming the breaking of ties, Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu accused China 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. Wu emphasised that Taiwan 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 stated. The move of Honduras came after ending negotiations with China on constructing a hydroelectric dam in the country. Wu announced that Taipei was ending ties with Honduras after the announcement of Reina. The official account of the Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs tweeted, “With deep regret we announce the termination of diplomatic relations with Honduras. 82 years of friendship & cooperation bringing real benefit to the peoples were dismissed by the Castro government. Taiwan remains unbowed & continues to work as a force for good in the world.” Taiwan had recalled its ambassador to Honduras Vivia Chang who arrived home on Saturday (March 25) in protest against the expected switch in diplomatic recognition. With the switch, Taiwan is left with 13 nations that recognise the country formally over China after losing many Latin American allies in recent years. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In big blow to Taiwan, decades-old ally Honduras establishes diplomatic ties with China

Honduras has established its diplomatic relations with China and it has ended its decades-old ties with Taiwan. The move is indicative of China's growing influence in the American continent and beyond.

Honduras ends diplomatic ties with Taiwan, establishes relations with China

Taiwan on Thursday (March 23) recalled its ambassador to Honduras over a visit by the&nbsp; Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina to China. In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that Honduras ignored more than 80 years of friendship when it sent its foreign minister to China, which seriously damaged the feelings of Taiwan's government and its people.&nbsp;"We have decided to immediately recall our ambassador in Honduras to express our strong dissatisfaction," the statement said as reported by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

Taiwan's response comes as Honduran Foreign Minister Reina was heading to China to hold discussions on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Chinese government.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-has-contigency-plans-for-any-moves-by-china-during-prez-tsai-ing-wens-overseas-visit-minister-574595">Taiwan has contingency plans for any moves by China during Prez Tsai Ing-wen's overseas visit: Minister</a>

Reina is accompanied by lawmaker Xiomara Zelaya, the daughter of President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, three government and diplomatic officials told AFP on Thursday. The Honduran delegation will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. However, Beijing has not confirmed the visit.

China has claimed democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory to be retaken one day — by force, if necessary. Under Beijing's "One China" principle, no country may maintain official diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan. Taipei also maintains a somewhat similar policy and has cut ties with countries that switched recognition to Beijing.&nbsp;

Last week, Honduran President Castro ordered Foreign Minister Reina to establish diplomatic relations with China, a move which was severely criticised by Taiwan. Reina had said that economic necessity and Taiwan's refusal to increase financial aid to Honduras were behind the decision to establish ties with Beijing.

If Honduras does formally switch recognition, it would leave Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has formal diplomatic ties.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-quench-thirst-with-poison-taiwans-warning-to-honduras-against-taking-aid-from-china-572687">'Don't quench thirst with poison': Taiwan's warning to Honduras against taking aid from China</a>

On Thursday, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu was asked by lawmakers regarding reports that Honduras demanded more aid to which Wu said his government was not prepared to accept an "unreasonable request".

"I will be frank, we are in a rather difficult situation. We are still trying our best, and we will do our best to the last minute. But we will not accept any unreasonable request, from Honduras or any other country, especially if they are opaque," Wu said, AFP reported.&nbsp;

Starting next week, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen will visit diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize and she would be stopping in New York and Los Angeles.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Taiwan on Thursday (March 23) recalled its ambassador to Honduras over a visit by the Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina to China. In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that Honduras ignored more than 80 years of friendship when it sent its foreign minister to China, which seriously damaged the feelings of Taiwan's government and its people.

Taiwan on Thursday (March 23) recalled its ambassador to Honduras over a visit by the Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina to China. In a statement, Taiwan's foreign ministry said that Honduras ignored more than 80 years of friendship when it sent its foreign minister to China, which seriously damaged the feelings of Taiwan's government and its people. "We have decided to immediately recall our ambassador in Honduras to express our strong dissatisfaction," the statement said as reported by the news agency AFP. Taiwan's response comes as Honduran Foreign Minister Reina was heading to China to hold discussions on the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Chinese government. ALSO READ | Taiwan has contingency plans for any moves by China during Prez Tsai Ing-wen's overseas visit: Minister Reina is accompanied by lawmaker Xiomara Zelaya, the daughter of President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, three government and diplomatic officials told AFP on Thursday. The Honduran delegation will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang. However, Beijing has not confirmed the visit. China has claimed democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory to be retaken one day — by force, if necessary. Under Beijing's "One China" principle, no country may maintain official diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan. Taipei also maintains a somewhat similar policy and has cut ties with countries that switched recognition to Beijing. Last week, Honduran President Castro ordered Foreign Minister Reina to establish diplomatic relations with China, a move which was severely criticised by Taiwan. Reina had said that economic necessity and Taiwan's refusal to increase financial aid to Honduras were behind the decision to establish ties with Beijing. If Honduras does formally switch recognition, it would leave Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has formal diplomatic ties. ALSO READ | 'Don't quench thirst with poison': Taiwan's warning to Honduras against taking aid from China On Thursday, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu was asked by lawmakers regarding reports that Honduras demanded more aid to which Wu said his government was not prepared to accept an "unreasonable request". "I will be frank, we are in a rather difficult situation. We are still trying our best, and we will do our best to the last minute. But we will not accept any unreasonable request, from Honduras or any other country, especially if they are opaque," Wu said, AFP reported. Starting next week, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen will visit diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize and she would be stopping in New York and Los Angeles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan recalls ambassador to Honduras over its foreign minister’s China visit

Taiwan's Deputy Defence Minister Po Horng-huei said on Wednesday (March 22) that the ministry has contingency plans for any moves by China during Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's overseas visit. Addressing a press conference, Po Horng-huei was asked whether Beijing was likely to stage more drills when President Tsai is abroad.

Po Horng-huei said the armed forces were prepared and added, "When it comes to what the Chinese communists have done in the past, the defence ministry can have a grasp on it, and will consider the worse scenario."

"During the president's overseas visit, the defence ministry has contingency plans for all moves (by China)," the deputy defence minister said&nbsp;and gave no further details, the news agency Reuters reported.

Starting next week, Taiwanese President Tsai will visit diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize and she would be stopping in New York and Los Angeles.&nbsp;Belize and Guatemala are two of just 14 countries that officially recognise Taiwan over China. And President Tsai's trip comes after Honduras decided to open official relations with Beijing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-quench-thirst-with-poison-taiwans-warning-to-honduras-against-taking-aid-from-china-572687">'Don't quench thirst with poison': Taiwan's warning to Honduras against taking aid from China</a>

While in California, Tsai is expected to meet US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in&nbsp;the most sensitive leg of her trip. But Taiwan declined to confirm whether this meeting would take place, Reuters reported. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, carried out large-scale war games around the island in August last year after a visit to Taipei by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

China has condemned Tsai Ing-wen's US stopover. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbi said, "We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between the US and Taiwan," he told a press briefing in Beijing. China has made solemn representations to the US in this regard," the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Washington, meanwhile, said that there was no reason for China to react to the Taiwanese president's trip (to the US), saying such transits were routine and happened many times before.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-taiwanese-president-ma-to-visit-china-from-march-27-573702">Former Taiwanese president Ma to visit China from March 27</a>

Two days back, China expressed its anger at a visit to Taiwan by Germany's Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger. On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson &nbsp;Wang Wenbin said it had filed a strong protest with Germany about Stark-Watzinger's "vile conduct".

Wang told reporters that Germany should immediately stop associating and interacting with Taiwan's independence separatist forces, immediately stop sending wrong signals to these forces, and immediately stop using the Taiwan issue to interfere in China's internal affairs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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Taiwan's Deputy Defence Minister Po Horng-huei said on Wednesday (March 22) that the ministry has contingency plans for any moves by China during Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's overseas visit.

Taiwan's Deputy Defence Minister Po Horng-huei said on Wednesday (March 22) that the ministry has contingency plans for any moves by China during Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's overseas visit. Addressing a press conference, Po Horng-huei was asked whether Beijing was likely to stage more drills when President Tsai is abroad. Po Horng-huei said the armed forces were prepared and added, "When it comes to what the Chinese communists have done in the past, the defence ministry can have a grasp on it, and will consider the worse scenario." "During the president's overseas visit, the defence ministry has contingency plans for all moves (by China)," the deputy defence minister said and gave no further details, the news agency Reuters reported. Starting next week, Taiwanese President Tsai will visit diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize and she would be stopping in New York and Los Angeles. Belize and Guatemala are two of just 14 countries that officially recognise Taiwan over China. And President Tsai's trip comes after Honduras decided to open official relations with Beijing. ALSO READ | 'Don't quench thirst with poison': Taiwan's warning to Honduras against taking aid from China While in California, Tsai is expected to meet US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the most sensitive leg of her trip. But Taiwan declined to confirm whether this meeting would take place, Reuters reported. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, carried out large-scale war games around the island in August last year after a visit to Taipei by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. China has condemned Tsai Ing-wen's US stopover. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbi said, "We firmly oppose any form of official exchanges between the US and Taiwan," he told a press briefing in Beijing. China has made solemn representations to the US in this regard," the news agency AFP reported. Washington, meanwhile, said that there was no reason for China to react to the Taiwanese president's trip (to the US), saying such transits were routine and happened many times before. ALSO READ | Former Taiwanese president Ma to visit China from March 27 Two days back, China expressed its anger at a visit to Taiwan by Germany's Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger. On Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said it had filed a strong protest with Germany about Stark-Watzinger's "vile conduct". Wang told reporters that Germany should immediately stop associating and interacting with Taiwan's independence separatist forces, immediately stop sending wrong signals to these forces, and immediately stop using the Taiwan issue to interfere in China's internal affairs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan has contingency plans for any moves by China during Prez Tsai Ing-wen's overseas visit: Minister

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