China's President: We Will Strongly Support Honduras' Development

Chinese media reported today, Monday, that "Beijing will strongly support the economic development of Honduras during the first visit by the president of the Central American country to the giant Asian state after establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries in March." Central Chinese Television quoted President Xi Jinping as saying to his Honduran counterpart: "China will develop all friendly relations between the two countries and will strongly support the economic and social development in Honduras." He expressed his readiness to work with "Honduras to enhance the deep development of bilateral relations from a long-term strategic perspective." Honduran President Xiomara Castro established diplomatic relations with Beijing after cutting ties with Taiwan in an effort to create more investment and job opportunities. Castro's current official visit to China lasts six days. Honduras is looking to enhance trade and investment, as well as seeking China's support to alleviate its debt burden. After Honduras severed its ties with Taiwan after decades, the island's foreign minister accused Honduras of demanding substantial sums from his country before being attracted by Beijing.