Additionally, Honduras is actively reconsidering its diplomatic relations. With its eyes set on making amends with Taiwan, whose number of allies has drastically fallen over the last twenty years, including the recent loss of Honduras, it hopes to regain its former glory. This shift is taking place amid mounting geopolitical tensions and economic pressures across Latin America. Honduras just took a courageous step. In doing so, it becomes the third Central American and fifth Caribbean nation to switch allegiances from China to Taiwan in recent months.
Taiwan has long lived under the threat of diplomatic isolation, maintaining formal relations with only 12 countries worldwide. This is a historic drop from the turn of the century, when it ceded 21 countries to Beijing. Honduras has just made the biggest splash by cutting ties with Taiwan. With this move, it becomes the fifth Central American and Caribbean nation to make such a move in the last ten years. All over the world, countries are reevaluating their alliances. They are balancing the costs and benefits of their strategic relationships while trying to fend off competing interests from regional and global powers.
A diplomatic history between Honduras and Taiwan that boasted an admirable 82 years. In a surprise move, Honduras cut diplomatic recognition from Taipei. The small nation was drawn into this web by Beijing’s allure of infrastructure funding and development projects during the last ten years. Yet, the reality has proven less favorable for Honduras, as highlighted by Salvador Nasralla’s assertion, “For Honduras there has been absolutely no benefit from [the relationship with China].”
Indeed, the recent political context in Honduras is illustrative of this dynamic — both of the main presidential candidates had committed to restoring ties with Taiwan. This amendment comes on the heels of the cumulative impact of a great recession. When Chinese buyers failed to live up to their promises to take over Taiwanese purchases — accounting for 40% of exports — the shrimp export sector was plunged into a collapse.
Taiwan’s remaining ally in Central America, Guatemala, faced pressure during the pandemic to recognize China in exchange for vaccine aid. As countries like Panama seek to enhance their economic relations with Taiwan, especially in the context of re-shoring the microchip industry, Honduras’s pivot back towards Taipei may signal a broader trend among nations reconsidering their alignment with China.
Taiwan’s administration has publicly shamed Honduras for its prior move. They claim that Honduras is asking for more than $2 billion dollars in aid. Taiwanese leaders warned Honduras against seeking to “put out your fire with poison” by aligning with China. As you might imagine, this is a fast-moving situation. Taipei must be feeling vindicated as it watches the winds change on behalf of its once loyal friends.
The United States is engaged in a vigorous counteroffensive against China’s engagement in Latin America. In that great game of geopolitical chess, its importance can’t be understated. The U.S. ambassador to Panama recently stepped in to reassure Taiwanese diplomats of American support, indicating that U.S. interests align with those of Taiwan in maintaining diplomatic relationships in the region.
As Taiwan navigates its diminishing number of allies, it faces an ongoing challenge in maintaining its sovereignty against China’s claims. The ongoing dual recognition saga of nations such as Nauru only adds to the confusion of this already compromised landscape, showcasing the changeable state of international affairs.
Taiwan and Honduras used to share a diverse bilateral friendship teeming with mutually beneficial exchanges. Changing loyalties have left legacies for both nations. Nasry Asfura stated, “We were 100 times better off with Taiwan,” reflecting on the economic realities that have emerged since the alliance was fractured.
The president of the Chinese business association literally said they were prepared to “bribe.” This shocking statement underscores the lengths people will go to in order to ensure good relationships, exposing the intricate nexus between moral imperatives and monetary interests in global foreign relations.