Taipei: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Tuesday stated that Beijing has "no right to comment" on Taipei's exchanges with other countries, reiterating its openness to restoring ties with Honduras, which severed relations with Taipei in favor of Beijing in 2023.
According to Focus Taiwan, MOFA spokesperson Hsiao Kuangwei emphasized that Taiwan, as a sovereign state, has the right to engage in friendly exchanges with countries globally and that China should not interfere in such interactions. Hsiao reaffirmed Taipei's willingness to maintain an open attitude toward friendly exchanges with democratic allies, including Honduras.
"Regarding the future development of relations between Taiwan and Honduras, our country will continue to advance ties based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit, maintaining an open stance without preconditions," Hsiao stated during a weekly MOFA briefing.
Hsiao's remarks came a week after Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi informed several Honduran news outlets while in Paraguay that Taiwan is prepared to "welcome back old friends" and rebuild relations with Tegucigalpa. Chen also mentioned that China was exerting pressure on Honduras to maintain its current diplomatic stance.
In response to Chen's interviews, the Honduran Foreign Ministry announced on June 24 that Honduras is not engaged in any official talks or contacts with Taiwan authorities aimed at restoring diplomatic relations. The ministry stated that the country's foreign policy is conducted in line with its existing diplomatic commitments.
On June 25, China's Foreign Ministry reacted with comments that MOFA objected to, praising Honduras for adhering to Beijing's one-China principle, which regards Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. The ministry criticized Taiwan's ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), stating that their pursuit of independence lacks support and is destined to fail.
Honduran President Nasry Asfura, who assumed office in January, had pledged during his election campaign to restore ties with Taipei. Diplomatic relations were cut in 2023 under former President Xiomara Castro in favor of Beijing, ending an 82-year alliance. However, neither Taipei nor Tegucigalpa have publicly announced any formal discussions about restoring ties.