Taiwan Extends Open Arms to Honduras: A Diplomatic Opportunity

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung Signals Willingness to Restore Ties, Highlighting Economic Ties and Strategic Importance in Central America.

Taipei, April 21 – Taiwan's Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), has signaled Taiwan's openness to restoring diplomatic relations with Honduras. This statement comes as two Honduran presidential candidates have expressed interest in re-establishing ties with Taiwan, potentially shifting the Central American nation's allegiance.

During a legislative hearing, Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) affirmed that Taiwan would welcome Honduras back into its diplomatic fold if the next president chooses to switch its recognition. The current Honduran government, led by President Xiomara Castro, ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2023, opting for ties with Beijing.

The Ministry is closely monitoring the Central American region, especially following the recent visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who lauded Guatemala's continued recognition of Taiwan. Guatemala, along with Belize, remain Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Central America.

The discussions in the legislative hearing centered on comments made by Honduran presidential hopefuls Salvador Nasralla of the Liberal Party and Nasry Asfura of the National Party, who are running against Rixi Moncada of the Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) in the upcoming election.

The loss of Honduras has had notable economic consequences. According to Lin, the shift has negatively impacted the Honduran whiteleg shrimp farming industry, with Taiwan, previously its largest importer, now sourcing shrimp from Belize. Reports indicate a substantial decline in Honduran shrimp exports.

To bolster its diplomatic ties, Taiwan is actively working with its remaining South American ally, Paraguay, on projects to enhance technological and AI capabilities. The Ministry's Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project focuses on Taiwan's Five Trusted Industry Sectors, offering a robust incentive for potential partners and encouraging the return of former allies.

Since 2016, Taiwan has lost ten diplomatic allies to China, with five of those losses occurring in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Taiwan’s diplomatic strategy emphasizes mutual benefits and collaborative efforts for sustainable growth and development with its remaining allies.