US warns Honduras China's promises are often undelivered

The de facto US embassy in Taiwan warned that China often does not deliver on the promises it makes. The warning comes as Honduras has severed its diplomatic ties with the island nation as it opens formal relations with China.

On Saturday, the de facto US embassy in Taipei warned that China usually makes promises that are left unfulfilled following the Honduran government’s move to end its long-running formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan in exchange for China. The Honduran foreign minister Eduardo Enrique Reina traveled to Beijing last week to formally open diplomatic relations after Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced that her administration would move ahead to open ties with China.

Honduras is one of the 14 countries that formally recognized Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. With Honduras opening formal relations with China, Taiwan’s diplomatic ties have narrowed down to 13. China is looking to expand its influence in Central America, where the United States has expressed concerns. While the US has no official ties with Taiwan, it is the island’s largest arms supplier and backer.

“It is important to note the PRC often makes promises in exchange for diplomatic recognition that ultimately remain unfulfilled,” said the spokesperson for the American Institute in Taiwan, referring to China by the initials of its formal name, the People’s Republic of China. “Regardless of Honduras’ decision, the United States will continue to deepen and expand our engagement with Taiwan in line with our longstanding one China policy.”

The spokesperson went on to say that all countries should expand their engagement with the island nation “and to continue to stand on the side of democracy, good governance, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.”

The diplomatic crisis comes ahead of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s upcoming transit to the US during her visits to Guatemala and Belize. During her transit, Tsai is expected to meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the end of her trip.

Taiwanese foreign minister Joseph Wu said last week that China was involved in Honduras’ plans to switch its diplomatic allegiance. In comments to reporters at parliament, Wu said that “the marks of Chinese involvement are very obvious” regarding the diplomatic dilemma at the time.