China often makes unfulfilled promises in exchange for recognition, the de facto US embassy in Taipei said on Saturday, as Honduras moves forward to end its longstanding ties with Taiwan in favor of the Asian giant.
The Honduran foreign minister traveled to China this week to establish relations, after President Xiomara Castro said her government would move forward in establishing ties with Beijing. Honduras is one of only 14 countries to formally recognize Taiwan.
China regards Taiwan as one of its provinces with no right to establish state-to-state ties, a view strongly refuted by the democratically elected government in Taipei.
The American Taiwan Institute said that although the possible severance of ties with Taipei in favor of Beijing is a sovereign decision, China does not always keep its promises.
“It is important to note that the PRC often makes promises in exchange for diplomatic recognition that ultimately go unfulfilled,” a spokesman said.
“Regardless of Honduras’s decision, the United States will continue to deepen and broaden its engagement with Taiwan in line with our longstanding one-China policy,” the spokesperson added.
“We strongly encourage all countries to further their commitment to Taiwan and to continue on the side of democracy, good governance, transparency and adherence to the rule of law,” he remarked.
China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but has previously said that its relations with Taiwan’s former diplomatic allies have brought real benefits.
Members of the Honduran community in Taipei gathered Saturday at National Taiwan University to express their appreciation in what they said was an apolitical act.
“We are very grateful for the opportunities that Taiwan has given us,” said Billy Parebes, 27. “Taiwan has provided us with education, it has provided us with so many projects that have developed our country, such as renewable energy, agriculture.”
Honduras’ decision comes ahead of a high-level visit by Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to the United States and Central America next week. Tsai is expected to meet US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles at the end of the trip.
The United States also has no official ties to Taiwan, but is the island’s main international sponsor and arms supplier. Neither China nor Honduras have announced the establishment of diplomatic relations.
Diplomatic sources in Taipei say this marks a change from previous practice, whereby the announcement of severing ties with Taiwan in favor of China was normally known very quickly, with Taipei receiving a few hours’ notice.
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