TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Honduras is considering restoring diplomatic ties with Taiwan after President Nasry Asfura launched a review of agreements signed by the previous administration with China.
Asked by Bloomberg on Wednesday why he shifted from calling for a break with China to ordering a review, Asfura said the government must first examine treaties signed under former President Xiomara Castro before making a final decision. Responding to US Senator Jim Banks’ calls to restore ties with Taiwan, Asfura said Honduras is reviewing its commitments with China while “seeking the best commercial relations.”
Asked how Honduras could reduce dependence on Beijing in strategic sectors without major economic costs, Asfura said the country’s debt to China is minimal. He said China’s main investment is the Patuca dam project, while Honduras and multilateral banks largely finance other infrastructure projects involving Beijing.
Addressing concerns over telecommunications equipment supplied by Huawei, Asfura told Bloomberg that the review also covers telecom infrastructure. He added that Honduras is discussing with the US government the possible use of Cisco Systems technology in the country’s networks.
Asfura took office in January after campaigning on reestablishing relations with Taiwan. During last year’s election campaign, he argued that Honduras received more aid and trade benefits by maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
Asfura also received backing from US President Donald Trump during the campaign and attended Trump’s Shield of the Americas Summit in March, per CNA . Other invitees included El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and Argentina President Javier Milei, among other conservative Latin American leaders.