TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨) legislator lashed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA, 外交部) on Wednesday (Jan. 15), accusing it of inaction regarding the potential restoration of diplomatic ties with Honduras. KMT Legislator Liao Hsien-hsiang (廖先翔) claimed Honduras is eager to reestablish relations with Taiwan, but the ministry's lack of response highlights significant issues in its operational capabilities.
In 2023, Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan, opting to establish relations with mainland China. This shift severely impacted local shrimp farmers, who suffered substantial losses. By October 2024, attempts to sell Honduran white shrimp to China faced obstacles due to pricing disagreements, leaving 250 containers unable to be exported and causing further economic distress.
During the ongoing review of the 2025 central government budget, Liao proposed cutting the ministry's operational expenses as a warning. He emphasized that since the diplomatic break, Honduran shrimp exports have plummeted, leading to an economic collapse and widespread hardship among the population.
Liao claimed that Honduras and its people should be eager to restore diplomatic relations with the Republic of China. Liao argued that the ministry's inaction over the past two to three years reflects problems in its operational capabilities and budget execution. He suggested that reducing its budget would serve as a necessary admonition.
