Honduras Diplomatic Relations: China Says No Conditions Attached to Recent Diplomatic Deal

Honduras' diplomatic relations have recently changed, with the country now siding with China over Taiwan.

Al Jazeera reported that China claimed there were no conditions attached to Honduras' decision to end its ties with Taiwan.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said Monday that the two foreign ministers for China and Honduras signed a joint communique to make its relations official.

Mao was asked if Beijing would give the government in Tegucigalpa the aid it had asked from Taiwan, to which he replied by saying, "diplomatic ties are not something for trade."

Honduras' Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina issued a letter requesting a loan of $2.5 billion from Taiwan, which was intended to help write off debt while also using it for funding a hospital and dam.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that what Honduras demanded was a "high price" to sustain relations. Honduras denied asking Taiwan for such a price for maintaining diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Honduras Severing Taiwan Ties

In a statement released on Saturday, China's foreign affairs ministry noted that Honduras "recognizes the existence of one China," adding that the government of the People's Republic of China represents China as a whole.

China maintains that Taiwan is part of Chinese territory. It mentioned that Honduras has already informed Taipei about the severance of its ties, CNN reported.

China refuses to maintain diplomatic ties with any country recognizing Taiwan, having spent much of the past four decades trying to isolate the self-ruled island democracy by tearing down its diplomatic allies with offers of economic support.

Before it severed its ties with Taiwan, Honduras was among the 14 countries diplomatically recognizing Taipei over Beijing.

Taiwan also confirmed that its diplomatic relations were dissolved with Honduras after the announcement. Honduras' President Xiomara Castro announced the plans to change diplomatic ties on March 14.

Honduras Diplomatic Relations

Taiwan has accused China of "dollar diplomacy" after Taipei failed to meet the demands of Honduras.

Taiwan has recalled staff from its Honduras embassy and consulate and demanded Honduras immediately close its Taipei embassy, according to Taiwan's ministry of foreign affairs.

The Guardian reported that a Taiwanese organization formed by Taiwan's former President, Ma Ying-Jeou, described President Tsai Ing-Wen's government as "incompetent."

Taiwan's allies have received financial assistance or access to its medical system or scholarships at their universities.

On the other hand, China has used numerous leverages to maintain its diplomatic ties, including financial aid, investment, and restrictions on Chinese tourists to countries.

Beijing still claims Taiwan as a province of China, noting that it plans to annex the country. It also does not allow its diplomatic allies to recognize Taiwan as a country.

The United States and other allies such as Australia, Japan, and some European nations have increased their support for Taiwan and its defense despite not recognizing it as a country.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Taiwan President Denounces China After Honduras Breaks Off Relations With Taiwan - From NBC News