China on Wednesday welcomed Honduras' decision to establish "official" diplomatic relations with Beijing, which threatens the Central American country's relations with Taiwan.
Honduran President Sioumara Castro tweeted Tuesday that she had "instructed Foreign Minister Eduardo Reyna to supervise the establishment of official relations with the People's Republic of China."
Castro did not explicitly address the future of relations with Taiwan. Honduras is among the 14 countries that continue to recognize Taiwan diplomatically. However, Taipei immediately asked Honduras not to make "this inappropriate decision."
"China is ready to develop relations of friendship and cooperation with all countries of the world, including Honduras, based on the one-China principle," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told the press.
"We welcome Honduras' decision," he added.
China considers the island of Taiwan an integral part of its territory and does not rule out that it will be restored by force if necessary.
A country's recognition of Beijing usually leads to de facto severing of its relations with Taiwan, in accordance with the principle of one China.
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China "welcomes" Honduras' decision to establish diplomatic relations with it