As China and Honduras formalize ties,Tsai says Taiwan will not engage in ‘dollar diplomacy’ with China¬

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen released a video statement after Honduras cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Sunday.

She said she views the move by Honduras with “deep regret,” but Taiwan “will not engage in a meaningless contest of dollar diplomacy with China.”

Tsai said, “China has persistently used any and all means to suppress Taiwan’s international participation, intensify its military intimidations against Taiwan, and disrupt regional peace and stability.”

She said the people of Taiwan “do not give in to threats.” Tsai added, “Taiwan’s connections and cooperation with our diplomatic allies and like-minded countries, and our joint efforts to advance international security and well-being will only expand and grow stronger.”

Meanwhile, China and Honduras began formal diplomatic relations on Sunday, with Taiwan accusing Beijing of using “coercion and intimidation” to lure away its few remaining allies.

China’s announcement of the move came shortly after Tegucigalpa said it had officially severed ties with Taipei.

“China and Honduras just established diplomatic relations,” tweeted Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry.

The switch, just days after Honduran Foreign Minister Enrique Reina visited Beijing, leaves Taiwan with just 13 countries that recognise it over China, having lost several Latin American allies in recent years. Over Wife’s Death, Others | Punch

China considers self-ruled, democratic Taiwan a part of its territory, to be retaken one day — by force, if necessary. Under its ‘One China’ policy, it does not allow countries to recognise both Beijing and Taipei.

Earlier, Reina said that upon instructions from President Xiomara Castro he had “communicated to Taiwan the decision to cease diplomatic relations”, a ministry statement said.

“The government of the Republic of Honduras recognises the existence of only one China in the world, and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China,” the Honduras foreign ministry said.