China announces the establishment of diplomatic relations with Honduras after severing relations with Taiwan

Today, China officially announced the establishment of diplomatic relations with Honduras, hours after the latter announced the severing of its relations with Taiwan. The announcement came shortly after a meeting in Beijing between Chinese Foreign Minister Chen Gang and his Honduran counterpart, Eduardo Enrique Perena. According to a statement released by the Chinese news agency Xinhua today, China and Honduras have decided, in line with the interests and wishes of the two peoples, to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, as of the date of signing this statement. The statement said that the two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries based on the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. added "That the Government of the Republic of Honduras recognizes that there is only one China in the world, that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of China". The statement said that the government of the Republic of Honduras must cut "Diplomatic relations" With Taiwan as of this day, and undertakes not to develop any formal relations or formal exchanges with Taiwan. In turn, Honduras announced the severance of the so-called"Diplomatic relations" with the Taiwanese authorities. According to the Honduran Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Honduran foreign minister informed the Taiwan authorities of the decision to cut off "Diplomatic relations" In line with the instructions of the President of Honduras. The minister said that "The Government of the Republic of Honduras recognizes that there is only one China in the world, and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legal government representing the whole of China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory". He added "As of today, the government of Honduras has notified Taiwan to sever ‘diplomatic relations’, vowing not to establish any official relationship or contact with Taiwan.".