Taiwan says China seeking political gain with Honduras vaccine move Reuters 1 hr ago
TAIPEI, May 12 (Reuters) - Taiwan condemned China on Wednesday for seeking to use vaccines for political gain after Taipei s diplomatic ally Honduras said it was considering opening an office in China in a bid to acquire much needed COVID-19 shots.
Honduras does not have formal relations with China and is one of a group of Latin American nations that have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said that to buy Chinese vaccines, he would do as the Chinese had suggested and look for a diplomatic bridge.
Hernandez, frustrated rich countries have 'hoarded' global vaccine supplies, said poorer countries desperately need vaccines and his government was willing to do whatever was necessary to help its people during a global pandemic
TEGUCIGALPA (REUTERS) - Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez said on Tuesday (May 11) the Central American nation, a long-standing diplomatic ally of Taiwan, could open a trade office in China in a bid to acquire coronavirus vaccines.
Honduras does not have formal relations with China and is one of a group of Latin American nations with strong diplomatic ties to Taiwan, which China considers as a breakaway province.
Hernandez, frustrated rich countries have hoarded global vaccine supplies, said poorer countries desperately need vaccines and his government was willing to do whatever was necessary to help its people during a global pandemic.
Taiwan says ties with Honduras strong despite its Chinese office plan
05/12/2021 03:32 PM
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei. CNA file photo
Taipei, May 12 (CNA) Taiwan s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Wednesday it has been given assurance by the Honduran foreign minister that bilateral diplomatic ties with the Central American ally remain strong despite the Honduran President floating the possibility of opening a trade office in China in a bid to acquire COVID-19 vaccines.
In a televised speech Tuesday, President Juan Orlando Hernandez said his government was willing to do whatever was necessary to help its people during the global pandemic.