China, Honduras establish diplomatic relations

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: China and Honduras established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on Sunday, right after Honduras decided to sever “diplomatic relations” with the Taiwan authorities.

“There is but one China in the world, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory,” read the Joint Communiqué on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Honduras.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry immediately welcomed the move, saying the decision “is the right choice that is in line with the prevailing trend and supported by the people.”

“The government of Honduras chooses to stand with 181 countries in the world, recognize and undertake to adhere to the one-China principle, sever the so-called diplomatic ties with Taiwan, establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and undertake that Honduras shall no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan,” according to a release published by the ministry.

The release added that China stands ready to enhance friendly cooperation with Honduras in various fields to benefit the two countries and peoples by following the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.

Honduras’ latest decision reduces the number of countries that diplomatically recognize Taiwan to 13.