China's Xi signals support for Honduras after diplomatic switch

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged economic and social backing for Honduras on Monday, state media reported, in his first remarks on the Central American country since it cut ties with Taiwan and recognised Beijing instead.

Beijing considers self-ruled Taiwan to be part of its territory and has vowed to seize the island one day.

It does not permit countries to recognize both Beijing and Taipei, and has used economic inducements in recent years to lure away Taiwan's allies.

Xi's remarks during a meeting with Honduran President Xiomara Castro in Beijing came after Tegucigalpa officially opened an embassy in the Chinese capital.

The switch of allegiances marked "a historic decision and demonstrated your firm political will", Xi told Castro, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

"China will unwaveringly develop friendly China-Honduras relations and firmly support the economic and social development of Honduras," Xi was quoted as saying.

He said China would seek to develop ties "from a strategic height and long-term perspective, turning the beautiful vision of cooperation between the two countries into concrete results".

Castro is expected to sign a host of agreements during her visit.

In March, Honduras cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing, reducing the number of countries that diplomatically recognize Taipei to just 13.

China opened an embassy in Tegucigalpa last week.

 

AFP