TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu released statements on Sunday (March 26) after announcing the end of 82 years of diplomatic relations with Honduras.
"In recent years, China has resorted to various tactics to suppress Taiwan's international participation," Tsai stated in a recorded video.
"Their military intrusions against us have escalated, jeopardizing the peace and stability of the region.," she continued, adding that "despite these suppressions and threats, it remains a fact that the Republic of China (Taiwan, R.O.C.) and the People's Republic of China are not affiliated with each other."
Meanwhile, Taiwan's foreign minister cited communication issues and a failure to reach a consensus as the reasons behind the termination of 82 years of diplomatic relations with Honduras.
"When we offer assistance to other countries in these areas, we tend to take a project-oriented approach," he said.
"Simply handing out money can come across as a form of bribery."
According to Wu, Xiomara Castro's administration repeatedly requested large-scale economic assistance from Taiwan.
Since the end of 2022, Honduras has made requests totaling US＄90 million for hospital construction, US＄350 million for a dam project, and US＄2 billion to pay off national debts.
Shortly after the announcement, the former ally wasted no time in sending their foreign minister to China to celebrate the establishment of their newly-formed diplomatic relations on March 26.
The end of diplomatic ties with Honduras marks the ninth country to sever ties with Taiwan during the Tsai administration.
Officials speculate that the Chinese government orchestrated the politically-motivated move, particularly as it comes so close to Tsai's recent trip to Guatemala, Belize, and the United States.
