March 20, 2023
MOFA response to public support of Taiwan by governments of diplomatic allies following Honduran president’s announcement on officially developing relations with China
Following Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento’s announcement on March 14 that Honduras will develop official relations with China, the governments of several diplomatic allies have publicly expressed support for Taiwan and reaffirmed their robust diplomatic partnerships with Taiwan.
On March 15, the government of Guatemala issued a press release conveying support for Taiwan, stressing that Taiwan upholds democratic values and is an independent country with which Guatemala shares mutual respect. On March 16, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration of Belize declared continued recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign and independent nation. It also stated that Taiwan and Belize will work toward strengthening cordial bilateral relations based on shared values and respect for the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and self-determination. Via a message on Twitter on March 18, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay reaffirmed Paraguay’s commitment to the friendship and cooperation it has shared with the Republic of China (Taiwan) for 65 years. It also stated that the two countries will continue to strengthen bilateral relations in various domains in order to pursue progress and welfare for both nations. The government of Saint Christopher and Nevis conveyed to the R.O.C. (Taiwan) ambassador its firm position on maintaining bilateral diplomatic ties. During his visit to Taiwan from March 13 to 17, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation and Diaspora Affairs of Saint Lucia Alva R. Baptiste repeatedly affirmed on behalf of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre his commitment to deepening diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to Taiwan Andrea Bowman also reiterated support for Taiwan in her address as dean of the diplomatic corps during the Spring Banquet hosted by the R.O.C. (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on March 17.
MOFA is sincerely grateful to the governments of diplomatic allies for speaking up in support of Taiwan at this important time. It again stresses that communication between Taiwan and the Honduran government has remained uninterrupted and that every effort will be made to preserve the diplomatic alliance between Taiwan and Honduras, but that Taiwan will certainly not engage in monetary competition with China. Taiwan has repeatedly and explicitly reminded Honduras that Taiwan is a sincere and reliable cooperative partner and that the Taiwan government will assist Honduras in its national development to the best of its abilities. It also pointed out that the sole purpose behind China’s interest in developing relations with Honduras is to suppress Taiwan’s international space and that China does not truly intend to foster cooperation that will serve the welfare of the Honduran people. Taiwan reminds Honduras to carefully consider the matter so as not to fall into China’s snare and make a flawed decision that will undermine its more than 80 years of bilateral friendship with Taiwan.