Honduras has formed diplomatic ties with China after ending relationship with Taiwan, cutting more than eight-decade-old ties with the Asian country in favour of Beijing which considers Taiwan as its breakaway province.
Foreign Minister Enrique Reina said that upon instructions from President Xiomara Castro he "has communicated to Taiwan the decision to cease diplomatic relations," a ministry statement said late on Saturday.
"The government of Honduras recognises the existence of just one China," the Honduran Foreign Ministry said in a post on Twitter. "The government of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China."
"Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, and as of today, the Honduran government has informed Taiwan the severance of diplomatic relations, pledging not to have any official relationship or contact with Taiwan."
Early on Sunday, China announced the establishment of diplomatic ties with Honduras, in a victory for Beijing which lured another ally away from Taiwan.
"China and Honduras just established diplomatic relations," tweeted Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.
Taiwan also said it was cutting diplomatic ties with Honduras, withdrawing embassy in a tit-for-tat move. Its foreign minister alleged Honduras demanded large amount of money to sustain ties.
"The severance of diplomatic relations between our country and Honduras is part of a series of China's coercions and intimidations," said a statement from President Tsai Ing-wen's office.
Taiwan's presidential office spokesperson Olivia Lin noted in a statement that the relations between both sides had lasted for more than 80 years.
"China has suppressed Taiwan's international space for long and unilaterally endangers the region's peace and stability," she was quoted saying in the statement.
Last week, Honduran President Castro ordered Reina to establish diplomatic relations with China.
