Honduras, one of the few countries with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan, is considering ditching the island nation and forging formal relations with China.
If Honduras decides to rather recognise China over Taiwan, this will mean that Taiwan is officially recognised by only 13 countries, all countries with relatively small populations and economies, and little influence on the global stage.
In recent years China has been extending loans to Honduras for major infrastructure projects and this could have played a role in the decision by the country to possibly ditch Taiwan.
In a statement the Taiwanese foreign ministry said: ‘We ask Honduras to carefully consider and do not fall into China’s trap and make the wrong decision to damage the long-term friendship between Taiwan and Honduras.’
[Photo: CFP]