US Tells Honduras, Which Severed Ties with Taiwan, "China Made Promises but Did Not Keep Them"

The U.S. Department of State criticized Honduras on the 27th (local time) for severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan and establishing relations with China, stating, "China often promises rewards for diplomatic recognition but ultimately does not follow through."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Vedant Patel, the State Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson, said at a briefing that "there are many examples of such behavior by China in South America and around the world."

He pointed out, "China's Belt and Road Initiative (land and maritime Silk Road) loans end up burdening partner countries with complex and unsustainable debt," adding, "Infrastructure cooperation projects do not help create jobs in those countries."

Deputy Spokesperson Patel emphasized, "The United States will continue to expand engagement with Taiwan in line with the long-standing 'One China Policy.'"

Earlier, Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with China on the 25th, ahead of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's Central American tour and visit to the U.S. at the end of this month. During this process, Honduras reportedly requested financial support from China amounting to $6 billion (approximately 7.8 trillion won). The Taiwanese government stressed, "Honduras demanded a large sum of money, and what they wanted was money," adding, "Taiwan will not succumb to China's pressure."

Additionally, Deputy Spokesperson Patel explained regarding the postponement of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China due to the Chinese surveillance balloon incident, "The schedule will be rescheduled when conditions permit."