02:38Taiwan: Taipei will 'terminate diplomatic relations with the Republic of Honduras' - FM
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stated that his government has decided to 'terminate diplomatic relations' with Honduras during a news briefing in Taipei on Sunday.
“As communication between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Honduras has not produced its desired outcome, the Republic of China (Taiwan), in order to uphold national sovereignty and dignity, has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with the Republic of Honduras with immediate effect,” Wu said. “It has also demanded that Honduras close its embassy in Taiwan.”
Wu’s statement came after Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina visited China earlier in the week in a bid to strengthen ties with Beijing.
On Saturday, the Foreign Ministry of Honduras issued a statement saying "The government of the Republic of Honduras recognizes the existence of only one China in the world.”
Later in the press briefing, Wu claimed Honduras had been misled by China and its promises of financial assistance.
“China frequently makes ostentatious commitments to lure Taiwan’s diplomatic allies into switching diplomatic recognition. However, once China achieves its diplomatic objectives, it often fails to uphold its pledges, leaving some beneficiary countries mired in debt,” the Foreign Minister claimed.
“By repeatedly luring away Taiwan’s diplomatic allies through false promises and reducing Taiwan’s diplomatic space, they have seriously hurt the feelings of the people of Taiwan and have exacerbated the rift in cross-strait relations,” he added.
Honduras had previously been among 14 other countries to formally recognise Taiwan as an independent sovereign state.
02:38Mandatory credit: Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu stated that his government has decided to 'terminate diplomatic relations' with Honduras during a news briefing in Taipei on Sunday.
“As communication between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Republic of Honduras has not produced its desired outcome, the Republic of China (Taiwan), in order to uphold national sovereignty and dignity, has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with the Republic of Honduras with immediate effect,” Wu said. “It has also demanded that Honduras close its embassy in Taiwan.”
Wu’s statement came after Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina visited China earlier in the week in a bid to strengthen ties with Beijing.
On Saturday, the Foreign Ministry of Honduras issued a statement saying "The government of the Republic of Honduras recognizes the existence of only one China in the world.”
Later in the press briefing, Wu claimed Honduras had been misled by China and its promises of financial assistance.
“China frequently makes ostentatious commitments to lure Taiwan’s diplomatic allies into switching diplomatic recognition. However, once China achieves its diplomatic objectives, it often fails to uphold its pledges, leaving some beneficiary countries mired in debt,” the Foreign Minister claimed.
“By repeatedly luring away Taiwan’s diplomatic allies through false promises and reducing Taiwan’s diplomatic space, they have seriously hurt the feelings of the people of Taiwan and have exacerbated the rift in cross-strait relations,” he added.
Honduras had previously been among 14 other countries to formally recognise Taiwan as an independent sovereign state.