2023-03-26
DPP Expresses Regret over Honduras’ Decision to Sever its Diplomatic Ties with Taiwan
Regarding the government of the Republic of Honduras severing its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, DPP Spokesperson and Director of International Affairs Department Peifen Hsieh expressed the DPP’s deepest regret towards Honduras’ decision, and our serious condemnation of the CCP’s ally-poaching tactics. Taiwanese people will demonstrate our resilience, and become even more united.
On behalf of the DPP, Spokesperson Hsieh announced a five-point statement:
First, the Honduran government has overlooked Taiwan’s longstanding and fruitful assistance towards Honduras, as well as Taiwan’s goodwill in helping Honduras resolve domestic issues. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs continuously strengthened communication with Honduras and reiterated that Taiwan would not engage in monetary competition with China. Yet, in the end, the Honduran government still chose to believe China’s promises and seriously damage the well-established feelings between our two peoples. To this, we express our deep regret.
Second, China has again attempted to isolate Taiwan through diplomatic means. The poaching of our diplomatic allies not only fails to win any support from the Taiwanese people, but it is unhelpful for the advancement of cross-strait relations and will not win any respect from the international community. The PRC openly used monetary incentives to establish relations with Honduras, setting the worst possible example for international society. Toward the behavior of the Chinese government, we express our solemn objection and condemnation.
Third, KMT leaders continue to lead delegations to China – including former President Ma Ying-jeou, who will soon depart. In the face of China’s aggressive diplomatic tactics, we wish to remind the KMT: China has never given up the suppression of our diplomatic presence, nor has it given up the use of force against Taiwan. As KMT interacts with China, do not repeatedly stand against Taiwan’s interests, or the values of freedom and democracy. In doing so, the KMT sends the wrong message to the international community.
Fourth, as Taiwan encounters a grim moment in our diplomatic struggle, many allied heads of state and government officials have actively voiced their support – including from the U.S. executive and legislative branches. The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi has also publicly stated that he had conveyed his thoughts to the Honduran government. He reiterated many times that Taiwan and Japan share fundamental values and are important partners and friends, and that Japan supports Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Assembly (WHA) as an observer. The President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic Markéta Pekarová Adamová also demonstrated friendliness toward Taiwan, leading a delegation of more than 160 people to visit. To this, the DPP expressed its sincere appreciation. For many years, Taiwan has faced diplomatic struggles. But, we do not fear setbacks. We will continue deepening our partnerships with like-minded democracies and face the global expansion of authoritarianism together.
Fifth, facing the suppressive tactics of the Chinese government, Taiwanese people will grow even more united and demonstrate the resilience of Taiwan. Today, the Honduran government expressed its recognition of only one China – that the PRC is the only legitimate government that represents all of China. We must reiterate that the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. We further call on CCP leaders to correctly understand that the mainstream sentiment among Taiwanese is in defense of freedom and democracy. Adopting diplomatically isolating tactics against Taiwan is of zero help towards advancing healthy cross-strait relations. We also urge the KMT to protest the CCP’s actions. Only by demonstrating our collective resolve in the defense of Taiwan’s interests can we protect our rights and sovereignty.
