Honduras’ Beijing Switch Underlines China’s Growing Global Clout

In a significant geopolitical move, Honduras opened its embassy in Beijing on Sunday, marking the end of the nation’s diplomatic ties with Taiwan and the beginning of a new chapter with China. This event further underscores China’s growing influence not just in Asia, but across the globe, particularly in Latin America.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro’s six-day visit to China signaled the strengthening of the diplomatic bond between the two nations. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and his Honduran counterpart Enrique Reina inaugurated the embassy, symbolizing an understanding that would, according to Gang, “establish a new model of friendly cooperation” between countries of different sizes and systems.

However, this shift’s reality isn’t just about “friendly cooperation.” The decision came months after Honduras severed its long-standing ties with Taiwan, joining many countries that have bowed to Beijing’s “One China” policy — including many administrations in the U.S. This policy sees Taiwan, a self-governed democracy, as a renegade province to be reclaimed by force if necessary by China. It deters China’s diplomatic allies from establishing formal ties with Taipei.

China’s global influence strategy isn’t just about bolstering diplomatic ties. The country also uses its economic might to draw nations closer. During her stay in Shanghai, Honduras’ President Castro visited the New Development Bank, a financial institution established by the BRICS nations. Honduras has expressed interest in joining this bank, which would further strengthen its ties with China and the other BRICS nations.

China’s strategic approach extends to the tech industry, with Castro visiting a research center for the technology giant Huawei. This combination of diplomatic, economic and technological engagement reflects China’s multi-dimensional approach to increasing its global influence.

While these developments can be seen as a victory for China amid its ongoing tensions with the United States, it does set off alarm bells about the balance of power in the region. China’s influence in Latin America has been growing, but this also brings a question of what it means for the region and its traditional ally, the United States.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her country’s disappointment in a statement, noting that “China has persistently used any and all means to suppress Taiwan’s international participation.” Taiwan sees this as part of China’s broader strategy of isolating Taiwan on the world stage.

This unfolding geopolitical shift should be of concern not just for Taiwan, but for many other nations, including the United States. It underlines China’s resolve to assert its “One China” policy and its capacity to influence other nations to adhere to its agenda. In response, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned other nations that China often fails to uphold its commitments, leaving countries mired in debt.