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Xi Jinping says Beijing will support Honduras’ economy while stressing ‘one-China principle’ as foundation for ties
- The Chinese president and his Honduran counterpart Xiomara Castro hold first meeting since Central American nation switched allegiance from Taipei
- The leaders witness signing of 17 bilateral agreements in areas including trade, belt and road construction, agriculture, technology and education
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China is determined to support Honduras’ economic growth, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Honduran counterpart Xiomara Castro in their first meeting since the Central American country switched its allegiance from Taiwan to Beijing.
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China rolled out the red carpet for Castro on Monday in Beijing, with Xi receiving her personally at the Great Hall of the People.
Xi praised the “historic decisiveness” and “strong political will” that Castro showed as she fulfilled her election campaign promise to build ties with China, according to a statement released by state news agency Xinhua.
“China will unswervingly develop friendship with Honduras and is determined to support the economic and social development of the country,” he said, echoing the Honduran delegation’s aim to boost business ties with the world’s second-largest economy.
Xi stressed that the “one-China principle” would be the prerequisite and foundation for bilateral ties and said he believed Honduras could “fully implement” the principle, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
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Castro showed “high appreciation” for China’s Belt and Road Initiative and other global projects and pledged to take part actively, according to CCTV.
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