Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds

Taiwan is expressing optimism about rebuilding diplomatic relations with Honduras as the Central American nation awaits the final results of its closely watched presidential election. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said Taipei has maintained communication with both leading candidates, Salvador Nasralla and Nasry Asfura, each of whom has signaled a willingness to restore ties with Taiwan if elected. Honduras cut diplomatic relations with Taipei in 2023 under outgoing President Xiomara Castro, shifting recognition to China.

Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Lin noted that with vote counting still underway, Taiwan is monitoring developments carefully. He emphasized that both candidates have shown friendly attitudes toward Taiwan and that the government hopes post-election conditions will support re-establishing relations on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Lin added that Taiwan remains open to engaging with the president-elect to explore the future of bilateral diplomacy, reiterating that communication channels with all political camps in Honduras have remained active.

A shift back to Taipei would mark China’s most significant diplomatic setback in Latin America since 1990, when Nicaragua restored ties with Taiwan under President Violeta Chamorro. Beijing, responding on Tuesday, said Honduras’ election is an internal matter but highlighted the “fruitful results” of its cooperation with the country since relations were established in 2023. China maintains that Taiwan is part of its territory and has no right to independent diplomatic relations—an assertion Taiwan strongly rejects. Currently, only 12 countries officially recognize Taiwan.

The race is also drawing attention from the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has voiced support for Asfura, claimed that Honduras appeared to be “trying to change the results” of its presidential vote.

As Taiwan watches the final outcome, the possibility of renewed ties with Honduras could reshape dynamics in the region and influence the ongoing battle for diplomatic recognition between Taipei and Beijing.