Honduras Foreign Minister Denies Seeking $2.5 Billion From Taiwan

It was reported that Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina was leading a delegation to Communist China to establish diplomatic relations. The instructions to end diplomatic relations with Taiwan were from President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, who herself also reportedly plans to visit Communist China, but the date has not yet been set.

In response to this action, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it will not engage in financial competition with Communist China for diplomatic relations. Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina also denied that his country’s decision to cut ties with Taiwan and turn to Communist China was motivated by money. However, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has records of several conversations and documents showing that Honduras had repeatedly sought $2.5 billion in aid from Taiwan but was rebuffed, leading to its decision to turn to Communist China for cooperation. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department warned Honduras that Communist China makes many promises that are unfulfilled. “We encourage all countries to expand engagement with Taiwan and continue to stand on the side of good governance, transparency and the rule of law,” a state department spokesperson said.