Honduras introduced on Saturday that it will reduce ties with Taipei, after signaling earlier this month that it sought to determine ties with Beijing.

China has mounted a worldwide strain marketing campaign to poach the shrinking variety of international locations that acknowledge Taiwan. Beijing claims Taiwan as a part of its territory and says it seeks “peaceable reunification” with Taiwan, which has by no means been dominated by the Chinese language Communist Celebration.

“In disregard for our nation’s help and friendship, the Castro authorities negotiated with China to determine diplomatic relations,” mentioned Wu, in reference to Honduras President Xiomara Castro.

Wu warned that whereas “China makes use of flashy guarantees” to lure away Taiwan’s allies, Beijing wouldn’t be capable of fulfill them, main its new companions to fall into debt.

Honduras is the ninth nation to sever ties with Taipei since Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen took workplace in 2016.

Pei-Lin Wu contributed to this report.