Honduran President to Travel to China Soon After Establishment of Diplomatic Ties

Honduran President to Travel to China Soon After Establishment of Diplomatic Ties

The Honduran foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that President Xiomara Castro will travel to China “soon,” following the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. The announcement comes after Honduras ended its decades-long relationship with Taiwan, a move that drew criticism from the latter.

Honduras’ foreign minister had traveled to China last week, and Castro had previously tweeted her government’s intention to open relations with Beijing. China officially established ties with Honduras on Sunday, marking a shift in the country’s foreign policy.

The move has refocused attention on China’s growing influence in Latin America, where it has been expanding its economic and political footprint in recent years. Taiwan, which now has diplomatic relations with only 13 countries, accused Honduras of demanding exorbitant sums before severing ties.

The establishment of diplomatic ties with China is expected to have significant implications for Honduras and the region. China has been increasing its presence in Latin America, investing in infrastructure projects and forging alliances with governments across the continent. As Honduras aligns itself with China, it is likely to face pressure from other countries in the region and the international community to address concerns about human rights and the impact of Chinese investments on local economies.