A spokesperson for the American embassy confirmed that "it is noted that the People's Republic of China often offers promises in exchange for diplomatic recognition, which it ultimately does not fulfill." He added that America will continue to deepen and enhance its engagement with Taiwan in accordance with its long-standing policy regarding the One China principle. The embassy in Taipei stated today, Saturday, that any decision made by Honduras regarding the potential severance of relations with Taiwan in favor of China is a sovereign decision. Honduras' Minister of Foreign Affairs traveled to China last week after President Xiomara Castro stated that her government would move to establish relations with Beijing.
This comes amid the growing Chinese presence in Central America, which has previously been a stronghold for supporting Taiwan, raising American concerns about Beijing's expanding influence in its backyard.
Under the "One China" policy, the communist regime in Beijing does not allow for diplomatic relations with both it and Taipei simultaneously. The recognition of the People's Republic of China by any country leads to the severance of its relations with Taiwan. China considers Taiwan one of its provinces, which has no right to establish relations with other countries, a view strongly rejected by the democratically elected government in Taipei.
