HONDURAS officially opened an embassy in China today, months after the Central American country switched its diplomatic allegiance from Taipei to Beijing.  

China considers self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to take control of the island one day.  

It does not allow countries to recognise both Beijing and Taipei and has in recent years lured away many of Taiwan’s allies using economic incentives.  

“The relations between Honduras and China will open new opportunities and capabilities to strengthen the cooperation between both countries,” Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina told Chinese state media after a ceremony unveiling a plaque for the new embassy.  

Honduran President Xiomara Castro arrived in Shanghai on Friday for a five-day visit to cement the relationship and will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.  

Castro is expected to sign a host of agreements during her visit.   

Reina said earlier this month that China had already opened the door to imports of melons, shrimp, bananas, and other Honduran products.  

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang attended the ceremony today, the official Xinhua news agency said, shaking hands with Reina in front of a row of Chinese and Honduran flags.  

In March, Honduras cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing.  

The switch reduced the number of countries that diplomatically recognise Taipei to just 13.  

China opened an embassy in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa this week. – AFP, June 11, 2023.