BEIJING (AP) — In a major diplomatic move, Honduras opened its embassy in Beijing on Sunday, marking the establishment of formal ties with China after cutting ties with Taiwan several months ago. According to Chinese state media outlet CCTV, the ceremony was attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and his Honduran counterpart Enrique Reyna. Although the embassy’s permanent location has yet to be determined, Honduras plans to expand its staff presence.
During the opening of the embassy, Foreign Minister Qin stressed China and Honduras’ determination to establish a new model of “friendly cooperation” despite differences in size and political system, as the Chinese Foreign Ministry called it.
Diplomatic ties between the two countries have strengthened as Honduran President Xiomara Castro is on a six-day visit to China. The visit is a sign of deepening ties between Honduras and China.
Honduras formally established diplomatic ties with China in March, the latest in a string of countries to cut ties with Taiwan. China considers Taiwan a rebel province and has pressured its diplomatic allies to cut formal ties with Taipei.
Meanwhile, Taiwan faces increasing military threats from Beijing. On Sunday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense reported that 10 Chinese warplanes had crossed the unofficial middle line of the Taiwan Strait. In response, Taiwan deployed its aircraft, naval, and land-based missile systems.
President Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday, his first visit to China since the establishment of diplomatic relations. During his time in Shanghai, he visited the headquarters of the New Development Bank, an institution established by the BRICS countries, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Honduras has expressed interest in joining the bank.
Additionally, according to China’s Global Times newspaper, President Castro visited a research center belonging to technology giant Huawei before arriving in Beijing on Saturday night.
The diplomatic breakthrough in March was a significant victory for China amid rising tensions between Beijing and Washington, particularly over China’s stance toward Taiwan. It also indicates China’s growing influence in Latin America.
China and Taiwan have been engaged in a long battle for diplomatic recognition since they split in 1949 after a civil war.
