Research, editing : Gan Yung Chyan, KUCINTA SETIA
News on Honduras, Taiwan, CCP, Costa Rica
News (1)
Changes in Taiwan-Honduras diplomacy, Honduran media people denounced Castro for being "ungrateful"!
Image : The president of Honduras Castro revealed that she was discussing with CCP China the formal establishment of diplomatic relations, which aroused public opinion. (Reuters)
On 15 March 2023, the Republic of China's Central American friend Honduras reported that there might be a change in its diplomacy with the Republic of China, which sparked heated discussions, and many opposition groups in the country also criticized it. Cristian Midence, a Honduran media person, said bluntly on 15 March that the Castro government does not know how to be grateful at all, and that it is "a slap in the face to Taiwan and its allies" by throwing itself into CCP China's embrace.
On 15 March, President Xiomara Castro revealed on Twitter that she had instructed Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina to handle matters related to the official establishment of diplomatic relations with CCP China. The news caused social uproar in Honduras and the Republic of China. Honduran media person Midans said on Twitter on the same day, "Whether we are facing typhoon disasters, covid epidemic, infrastructure construction, health, education, study abroad scholarships and food aid, it is when Honduras needs help the most. , Taiwan has always been there.”
Midans continued: "Today, our government actually forgets what Taiwan has done for Honduras in the past because of ideology! We must know how to be grateful, Hondurans should not forget what Taiwan has done for us in everything. Do you know who donated many official vehicles used by the Honduras government? Do you know who donated many ambulances in Honduras? The answer is our good friend and ally Taiwan! Xiomara Castro's decision today is a slap in the face for Taiwan and our allies."
Netizens commented, "Thank you for speaking out for justice", "Don't forget what happened to Sri Lanka", "We hope the people of Taiwan understand that the people of Honduras are full of gratitude and respect for them. This is a mindless government." "Crazy Behavior”, “Obviously Castro was bought by CCP China”
News (2)
Honduras Diplomacy turns to CCP China, Opposition worry about impact on relations with the U.S.
[Central News Agency〕Xiomara Castro, President of Taiwan's ally Honduras on 14 March, announced that she would seek to develop formal relations with CCP China. Foreign Minister of Honduras said that the greatest welfare must be sought for the people but the opposition worried that this move might affect relations with the United States.
Xiomara Castro announced on Twitter that she had instructed Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina to handle formal relations with CCP China.
If Honduras cut off diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Taiwan will only have 13 diplomatic relations remaining.
Honduras' opposition congressman Tomas Zambrano said in an interview with local television that the decision could affect Honduras' relations with the United States, Honduras' largest trading partner, and many families depend on remittances from the United States.
"We have to look at things very pragmatically, in the best interest of the people of Honduras," Reina told the media.
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Honduran ambassador to Taiwan and expressed serious concern to the Honduran government, hoping that the Honduran government will carefully consider and not fall into CCP's trap and make wrong decisions that damage the long-term friendship between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and Honduras.
The U.S. State Department has yet to comment on the matter.
Reuters mentioned that President Tsai Ing-wen plans to visit Central America in April 2023, scheduled to go to Guatemala and Belize.
Nicaragua, which also belongs to Central America, broke off diplomatic relations with Taiwan in December 2021 and switched to CCP China.
If the Paraguayan opposition party wins the presidential election at the end of April 2023, Taiwan may lose another Latin American diplomatic relationship. The opposition presidential candidate, Efrain Alegre, once said that Paraguay will break off diplomatic relations with Taiwan and develop relations with CCP China, hoping to promote the export of important economic products such as soybeans and beef.
News (3) to (6) / Reporter : Lu Yixuan / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/4240357
News (3)
Honduras intends to establish diplomatic relations with CCP China. The former ambassador’s truth: Maintaining relations with Taiwan is beneficial to the country
Image : Sierra, former Honduran ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan). (Photo by Central News Agency)
Central American friend Honduras plans to establish diplomatic relations with CCP China. Former Honduran ambassador to Taiwan, Rafael Sierra, pointed out that Costa Rica is an example that the economic balance with Taiwan is beneficial to Honduras. "China is a bigger market, but it does not necessarily buy Honduran products ". Sierra also mentioned the Honduran students studying in the Republic of China and the families of the cooperation projects with the Republic of China, etc., and asked Castro, "Have you thought about them?"
President of Honduras, Taiwan's Central American ally. Xiomara Castro issued a statement on Twitter today, instructing Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina to handle formal relations with China.
News (4)
Economic balance between Honduras and Taiwan is beneficial to Honduras
The former Honduras ambassador to Taiwan, Sierra, tweeted that the economic balance between Honduras and Taiwan is beneficial to Honduras, because Honduras' products, such as melons, shrimp and coffee, are sold in Taiwan. There is already a demand. Many people say CCP China is a bigger market, "but they don't necessarily buy our products, Costa Rica is an example," Sierra said.
News (5)
Costa Rica's commercial relations with CCP China have not reaped fruits
Sierra forwarded news related to Costa Rica; Costa Rica established diplomatic relations with China in June 2007 and signed a free trade agreement in 2010, but Costa Rica officially admitted that 10 years after signing the agreement, "commercial relations have not been as successful as we had hoped."
News (6)
Honduran students risk suspension of scholarships if Honduras set up formal diplomatic ties with CCP China
Sierra also mentioned that if diplomatic relations with Taiwan are severed, the scholarships for more than 300 young Honduras students studying in Taiwan will be suspended. Although El Salvador received China's promise to provide scholarships after the severance of diplomatic relations, young students were forced to study from scratch, and many had no choice but to return home. Sierra gave an example. Taiwan assisted Hongguo in sea cage farming, avocado planting, potato seeds, pig farming and other projects. What impact will the people who depend on these for their livelihoods suffer? Sierra asked Kawchu, "Have you thought about them?"
Sierra served as the Honduras ambassador to the Republic of China from January 2015 until April 2019.
News (7)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the ambassador of Honduras to remind China that its promises are flashy
Reporter : Lu Yixuan / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/4240276 I /mage : Honduras intends to establish diplomatic relations with China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs today summoned Honduran Ambassador to Taiwan Harold Burgos to express serious concerns. Ambassador Hongguo left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Photographed by reporter Lu Yixuan)
Ambassador of Honduras left without saying goodbye and quietly left through the side door
Honduras intends to establish diplomatic relations with CCP China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Honduran ambassador to Taiwan Harold Burgos on 15 March, and the Deputy Minister in charge of Latin American affairs, Yu Dayo, expressed serious concerns and reiterated that he hoped to continue to assist hOnduras the Republic of China's goodwill, and remind Honduras that many promises are flashy, do not fall into CCP's trap. Burgos arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs around 11 am, walked into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a relaxed demeanor, and said "wait a while (re-interview)" when faced with media inquiries but after the meeting, he left without saying goodbye, and quietly left the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through a side door.
President Xiomara Castro of Honduras, a Central American ally, said in a tweet today that she had instructed Foreign Minister Eduardo Reina to handle the establishment of formal relations with my country. "We have to look at things very pragmatically and in the best interest of the people of Honduras," Reina told local media.
The Republic of China and Honduras established diplomatic relations at the ministerial level in 1941, and upgraded to ambassadorial level in 1965. The relationship has been nearly 82 years. During the election campaign, Honduras's current president, Castro, threatened to turn to diplomacy after being elected. However, after being elected, Vice President Lai Ching-te visited Honduras to attend the inauguration ceremony last year, and diplomatic relations have temporarily stabilized. In January this year, there was another warning message in the diplomatic relations between the two countries. Honduras Foreign Minister Reina admitted that in order to seek financial aid for the Patuca Dam project, he met with CCP Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng in early January to discuss trade issues.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Yongjian relayed that Deputy Foreign Minister Yu Daye summoned Ambassador Broad to express our solemn position. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes and the atmosphere was serious. We reiterate our goodwill to assist the development and construction of Honduras, and we will continue to work hard on bilateral relations. We also specially remind Honduras that many of China's promises are flashy and cannot be implemented. We remind them not to fall into China's trap and think carefully. Broad said that basically he has not received any instructions from the government, nor has he received any information from us.
Image : The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Honduran ambassador to Taiwan, Burgos, to express the Republic of China's solemn position, and reiterated goodwill to assist the development and construction of the Honduran country. The picture shows the flag of Honduras inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Photo by reporter Chen Zhiqu)
News (8)
Changes in Taiwan-Honduras relations are still inconclusive. Wang Dingyu: Taiwan's diplomatic status will not be reduced
Reporter : Xie Junlin / https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/4240438 / Image : DPP legislator Wang Dingyu. (Provided by Wang Dingyu Congress Office)
The President of Honduras, a friendly state in Central America, Xiomara Castro, tweeted that she had instructed Foreign Minister Reina to handle formal relations with CCP China. In this regard, Wang Dingyu, a member of the Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee of the Legislative Yuan and a member of the Democratic Progressive Party, said that whether Honduras will formally establish diplomatic relations with CCP China or sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan is still inconclusive, and all walks of life are observing and working hard; The improvement of the Republic of China's diplomatic status will not be detracted from this matter.
Wang Dingyu pointed out that Taiwan's relevant national security officials are carefully observing and handling this matter closely. Allies of various countries, especially the United States, are also handling this matter seriously. President of Honduras issued a document through an informal channel. Whether she will establish diplomatic relations with CCP China or sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan has not yet been determined. At present, all walks of life are observing and working hard.
Wang Dingyu said that Honduras and Latin America are important diplomatic fields for Taiwan and the United States. In recent years, China has made big money, big promises, big checks, and economic and military expansion in Latin America, causing regional tension. Diplomatic events not only have a great impact on Taiwan, but are also major events on the United States and related countries.
Wang Dingyu said that CCP cannot tolerate the existence of 23 million people in Taiwan. It has exhausted all means and spent a lot of money to erase the fact that there are 23 million people in Taiwan. This is the case in all countries and Latin America. It is very clear that in recent years, almost all the checks that China has written to El Salvador, Nicaragua and other countries in Latin America have bounced, and the promises and big coins have not been fulfilled. Honduras should be able to make a wise judgment.
Wang Dingyu also mentioned that Honduras has a trade surplus with the United States and Taiwan, making money positively, and has close military and political relations. On the contrary, it has a large trade deficit with China, which is unfavorable. Therefore, Honduras's internal political circles also have many doubts. When Europe and the United States are paying attention to Taiwan's value, and the world's major democracies are improving their exchanges and relations with Taiwan, it is an unwise decision for Honduras to move towards a dictatorial communist China instead.
Why did China choose to act at this time? Wang Dingyu believes that it is not news that China has been poaching Taiwan's diplomatic relations for a long time but the timing will be specially designed. For example, it has been confirmed that Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen will stop by the United States in April to visit Latin America. At that time, such an action was taken through Honduras to downplay the focus and importance of President Tsai’s visit; another said that Vice President Lai Ching-te visited Hongguo, and Lai registered for the DPP presidential primary election on 15 March.
In addition, Wang Dingyu believes that it is also possible that Micronesia sent a secret letter to confirm China’s bullying, the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of China, various incidents that insulted sovereignty, affected security, harmed the economy, and promised to skip votes. He expressed that he sees that the European Union is constantly improving its relationship with Taiwan. The country should establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan), which is in line with the national interests and values of the country. CCP China is also trying to play down this matter.
Wang Dingyu said that there are many political reasons for China to launch such a diplomatic offensive. The most basic is to erase the fact that Taiwan exists and remind the people of the country that the diplomatic relationship between Taiwan and Hongguo still exists. President Hongguo tweeted such a statement According to the statement, the current situation is unknown, and Taiwan, the United States, and the main democratic allies who are friendly with me are closely watching and handling this matter.
Wang Dingyu emphasized that this incident shows China's threats and diplomatic attacks on Taiwan. The real "big currency diplomacy" is in CCP China. The promotion of status will not be detracted from this incident.
News (9)
It's all about the money! Honduras wants to establish diplomatic relations with CCP China, Foreign Minister: Taiwan refuses to increase financial aid
Image : Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina. (Taken from the Ministry of Defense of Honduras Twitter)
President Xiomara Castro of Honduras said on 15 March 2023 that she had instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish relations with CCP China, but did not mention whether to break off diplomatic relations with the Republic of China. Yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Honduran ambassador to Taiwan, Burgos, with serious concerns, and called on Honduras not to fall into CCP's trap. Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina claimed on 15 March that the establishment of diplomatic relations with CCP China was due to economic needs, while Taiwan refused to increase financial assistance.
According to comprehensive foreign media reports, Reina made a statement on the local TV station "Canal 5" on the 15th, claiming that the decision to seek formal relations with China and cut off relations with Taiwan was based on pragmatism, not ideology, because of rising debt and investment needs.
He said Honduras was overwhelmed financially and with debts, including $600 million owed to Taiwan, which in part contributed to Honduras' decision to enter into a relationship with CCP China.
Reina also said that according to the Ministry of Finance, the country's total external debt in the third quarter of 2022 is about US$8 billion, and they need to be open for investment and cooperation due to the complex global situation. Honduras proposed a "more important relationship" based on the great needs of its people but Taiwan rejected it. The country's demand for Taiwan to double its annual aid of US$50 million and to "rebalance" Honduras's US$600 million debt to Taiwan has not received a positive response.
The friendship between the Republic of China and Honduras has been close to 82 years. During the 2021 election campaign, Castro advocated a diplomatic turn. After being elected, the relationship with Taiwan was maintained under the mediation of the United States. Vice President Lai Ching-te visited Honduras to attend the inauguration ceremony last year, and the diplomatic relations are temporarily stable but Hong Foreign Minister Reina still described the relationship with Taiwan as "fluid". The MAC stated that the CCP continues to use various means to lure and maliciously seize Taiwan's diplomatic allies in an attempt to downgrade Taiwan and eliminate the Republic of China in the international arena. Taiwan solemnly protest.
News (10)
Take a look at the coins that Taiwan has distributed for Honduras over the years. There is also a "Chen Shui-bian Classroom" in the local area
Reporter : Lin Enru / https://news.tvbs.com.tw/politics/2069996
The friendship between the Republic of China and Honduras, a friendly country in Central and South America, has a warning sign. Due to economic needs and Taiwan’s refusal to increase financial aid, it decided to seek official relations with mainland China, which means that it is considering breaking diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Regardless of Taiwan’s long-term friendship with Honduras, it has repeatedly extended a helping hand when Honduras needs it, giving various kinds of help including financial aid for a long time.
On the morning of 15 March, it was suddenly reported that Taiwan's long-time ally Honduras wanted to turn its diplomacy to CCP, which shocked the people of the Republic of China. In fact, the Republic of China established diplomatic relations with Honduras on 9 April 1941. It has been 82 years since then. During this period, many agreements and memorandums of trade and technical cooperation were signed. Last year, the trade volume of Taiwan’s exports to Honduras exceeded 6 The trade volume imported from Hongguo is closer to 130 million US dollars, and the interaction between the two parties seems to be good.
When Honduras is in need, Taiwan is willing to help. For example, at the beginning of this year (2023), in order to help Honduras cope with the impact of the epidemic, the Taiwan government participated in the "Hongdu" promoted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Honduras government. This is the first time that Taiwan and the United States have jointly promoted a tripartite cooperation plan to assist Honduras in rebuilding the infrastructure of 12,000 schools. The United States will provide US$33 million (approximately NT$1 billion) ) execution, Taiwan also donated US$2 million (approximately NT$61.27 million).
In 2022, when the epidemic is raging in various countries, Taiwan also purchase NT$15 million worth of rapid screening donations, which were transported by special plane to Honduras. In 2021, Taiwan and the Central American Bank (CABEI) signed an agreement to establish the "Taiwan-CABEI Partnership Trust Fund", which will inject US$1 million (approximately NT$30.64 million) per year to support the four Central American allies to promote regional development and economic integration. Among them is Honduras; in 2019, foreign media reported that Taiwan provided a loan of 300 million US dollars (approximately NT$9 billion) to fill the budget deficit of the Honduras government, use it for medical care, education funds, and strengthen infrastructure.
In 2014, a bilateral cooperation plan was launched to donate Honduran executive planes and second-hand replacement helicopters to help improve public security. In 2007, former President Chen Shui-bian sent a big gift during his visit, announcing a loan of US$5 million (approximately NT$150 million) to help Hongguo establish a middle school computer centre. Honduras was so happy that one of the classrooms was specially named as "Chen Shui-bian Classroom"; Taiwan also invested 300 million US dollars (approximately NT$9.2 billion) to help Honduras build a hydroelectric power plant, and use the BOT method to carry out the repayment period is 39 years; In addition, in 1998, the hurricane hit hard on Honduras, and Taiwan donated US$800,000 (about NT$25 million) and US$12 million (about NT$360 million).
Not only did they give money back to the fishing rods, but they were afraid of being poached by the Chinese mainland. Unexpectedly, the huge investment of the Taiwan government still seemed unable to stop the money offensive of the CCP China. On the 15th, Honduran President Xiomara Castro suddenly stated publicly that she had instructed the foreign minister to establish formal official relations with the CCP. Reina said in an interview with a local TV program on the 15th that the diplomatic turn to the Beijing authorities was based on "pragmatism" rather than ideology. He also admitted that Honduras proposed the establishment of a "more important relationship" based on the great needs of the people, but Taiwan refused. He mentioned that Honduras asked Taiwan to double its annual aid from US$50 million to US$100 million and "readjust" Hongguo's US$600 million debt owed to Taiwan, but Honduras did not receive a positive response.
In this regard, the Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that we have always responded positively to Honduras' proposal from beginning to end, and expressed their sincerity to assist Honduras out of the best of goodwill and within their capabilities. However, there is a warning sign for the relationship between the two countries. So far, they are still working hard to maintain the friendship and strive for freiendship stability. However, the Republic of China will never compete with CCP China for money. At the same time, the Honduras government is reminded that it is already plagued by debt problems. It should not drink poison to quench their thirst and drop into CCP China's debt trap.
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