Honduras Recognizes China and Severs Ties with Taiwan, Signaling Growing Chinese Influence in Latin America

Honduras has established diplomatic ties with China and severed them with Taiwan, a move that signals growing Chinese influence in Latin America and deals a blow to the self-ruled island democracy in its struggle for recognition.

The Honduran Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Saturday, local time, announcing the move. The statement declared that the government of Honduras recognizes the existence of one China in the world and that the government of the People’s Republic of China represents China as a whole. It also noted that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory and that the government of Honduras has informed Taiwan about the rupture of diplomatic relations.

China sees Taiwan as part of its territory despite never having ruled it and refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with any country that recognizes Taiwan. As a result, Taiwan is increasingly isolated and is now recognized by only 13 sovereign states, including Vatican City.

The move by Honduras comes amid rising tensions between Beijing and the United States, including over China’s increasing assertiveness toward self-ruled Taiwan. It is the latest example of China’s growing influence in Latin America, a region that has traditionally been seen as within the US sphere of influence.

The decision by Honduras to recognize China and sever ties with Taiwan is a significant blow to the self-ruled island democracy in its struggle for recognition. It remains to be seen how the move will affect the diplomatic relations between China, the United States, and other countries in the region.