Honduras–Taiwan relations

Honduras–Taiwan relations

Taiwan
Honduras

Honduras–Taiwan relations refer to the bilateral relations between Honduras (officially the Republic of Honduras) and Taiwan (officially the Republic of China, ROC). Until March 2023 Honduras formally recognised Taiwan, but subsequently switched recognition to the People's Republic of China (PRC), and relations are now non-diplomatic in nature.

History

Honduras and Taiwan maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with an embassy in Tegucigalpa and various technical-cooperation programmes. On 26 March 2023, under President Xiomara Castro, Honduras officially broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan, announcing that it recognised "only one China in the world" and that "the government of the PRC was the only legitimate representative of China".[1] Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Honduras of being lured by Beijing's financial and infrastructure promises.[2] Following the break, Honduras established diplomatic relations with the PRC.[3]

Representative offices

Since diplomatic relations were terminated, there is no official embassy of Taiwan in Honduras. Taiwan continues to maintain informal relations through its international offices and technical cooperation channels.

Economic relations

Prior to the rupture in 2023, Taiwan was a key market for Honduran exports, including white shrimp: in 2022 nearly 40% of Honduran white shrimp exports went to Taiwan.[4] After the diplomatic switch, Honduras' shrimp industry saw a dramatic drop in exports to Taiwan, with over 14,000 workers said to be affected.[5]

In 2025, opposition presidential candidate Nasry Asfura stated that Honduras was “100 times better off” when it was allied with Taiwan, pledging to restore diplomatic relations if elected and to establish a partnership with the United States, Taiwan, and Israel to revitalize the Honduran economy.[6] Taiwanese officials have also expressed interest in re-establishing trade ties.

Cultural and educational exchanges

During the period of formal ties, Taiwan provided scholarships to Honduran students and cooperated on agricultural, disaster-relief and technical assistance programmes in Honduras. After the break, mechanisms for formal exchange were disrupted. The Taiwanese government stopped providing scholarships for Honduran students, thus leaving 90 Honduran students in Taiwan without financial support.[7] Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had stepped in to support schools with providing assistance.[8]

Taiwan continues to explore informal people-to-people connections and technical support.[9]

See also

References

  1. ^ Davidson, Helen (26 March 2023). "Honduras says there is 'only one China' as it officially cuts ties with Taiwan". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  2. ^ "Honduras breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan – DW". DW. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  3. ^ "Honduras forms diplomatic ties with China after Taiwan break". CNBC. 26 March 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  4. ^ Lin, Yi-hua; Garcia, Sam (2 April 2025). "Honduras looking to re-enter Taiwanese market". Taipei Times. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
  5. ^ Lee, I-chia (13 August 2025). "Taipei interested in restoring ties with Honduras: ministry". Taipei Times. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  6. ^ Large, Henry (9 August 2025). "Will Taiwan Regain a Diplomatic Ally?". The Diplomat (magazine). Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  7. ^ "Ministry asks universities to help Honduran students". Taipei Times. 18 March 2024. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  8. ^ Strong, Matthew (16 March 2024). "Honduras leaves 90 students in Taiwan without financial support". Taiwan News. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
  9. ^ Hiciano, Lery (10 February 2025). "Honduras opposition candidates support restoring Taiwan ties". Taipei Times. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
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