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

Taipei, Taiwan

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.

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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.

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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 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.