China and Honduras have started formal diplomatic relations on Sunday in A major diplomatic blow to Taiwan.
Taipei criticized move Beijing accused of “Coercion and intimidation” to remove the rest of them international allies.
China announcement of the move It came shortly after Tegucigalpa announced that they were officially severing ties with Taipei.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that “the two governments have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.” in a permit.
the switch Cuts the number to 13 of countries Which still diplomatically recognizes Taiwan, which has lost many Latin American allies in Last few years.
China considers the self-governing democratic island a part of it of its territory, to be restored one day – by force, if necessary. Under “One China” policyit does not happen allow countries To recognize both Beijing and Taipei.
According to a video released by the state media Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina and his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang signed a joint statement. in Beijing.
“China welcomes (Honduran) President Xiomara Castro’s visit to China at an early date,” Chen said.
Earlier, Reina said that on Castro’s instructions, “Taiwan B decision to stop diplomatic relations.
“the government of Republic of Honduras acknowledges its existence of Just one China in the worldand that government of People’s Republic of China is the only legitimacy government This represents everyone of China,” said the Honduran Foreign Ministry.
Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said switch was part of “Coercion and intimidation of China” of Taipei allies.
China has been suppressed international space of (Taiwan) for for a long time, unilaterally endangering regional peace and stability.” office.
In Beijing, Rina and Ken clink glasses of champagne in Before of are countriesflags, while in Taipei, State Department officials said removed blue and white banners of they former ally.
Pressure and intimidation
Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu confirmed the cut of Relationships, accusing China of an offer “financial Incentives” to lure away island allies.
Earlier this month, Rina said the economic imperative was behind town decisionand that of Honduras government I asked Taiwan for more financial helps.
On Sunday, Wu said that Castro government We demanded billions of American dollar in financial helps.”
He said Tegucigalpa asked Taiwan to pay $90 million for hospital and $350 million for Dam and forgive 2 billion dollars in debt, adding, “I felt like what are they wanted It was money, not a hospital.”
Honduras one of the poorest countries in It is regionand with approximately 74% of Almost 10 million people living in poverty. Tegucigalpa move Negotiations followed with China on building Hydroelectric dam.
in social media postTsai said that Taiwan upholds “essentialism development” of its allies. But she is addedWe will not participate in Does not make sense cash Diplomacy Quiz with China.”
China’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday that Beijing “is ready to strengthen friendly cooperation with Honduras in various fields to favor of We have two countries And peoples. “
response to Tegucigalpa moveAmerican Institute in Taiwan said: “While Honduras’s business is sovereign’s business decisionIt is important to note that the People’s Republic of China often makes promises in exchange for Diplomatic recognition that in the end remain not materialized.”
Recognition diminished
It was Latin America key Diplomatic battlefield for China and Taiwan since the split in 1949 after a civil war.
Honduras announcement trend continues in the region and with Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica all switch diplomatic recognition to Beijing in Last few years.
United State remains Taiwan’s most important ally and largest arms supplier, though its recognition has shifted to Beijing in 1979.
This week, Taiwan confirmed that Tsai would leave Wednesday to visit Guatemala and Belize – two remaining diplomatic allies – while there. also Stop in New York and Los Angeles.
Analysts linked the timing of Honduras switch with Tsai trip.
“This is the warning before Tsai begins Visit to Central America on March 29th and I think China will make it more diplomat moves During her visit, said Ko Yu-jin, a politician analyst at National Sun Yat University in Taiwan.
