Taiwan has decided to recall its ambassador to Honduras to express displeasure over the Central American nation's move to start diplomatic normalization talks with China. Honduras is one of 14 countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro said on social media on March 14 that she has instructed her foreign minister to start negotiations with China.

Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina was reported on Wednesday to have left for China.

In response, Taiwan's foreign ministry said on Thursday that it has decided to recall its ambassador immediately.

The ministry stated that Honduras is persisting in sending its foreign minister to China for normalization talks, in total disregard for years of assistance Taiwan has provided to help Honduras solve its problems.

China insists that Taiwan is a part of its territory. Beijing has been trying to put pressure on the administration of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen by persuading nations that have relations with Taiwan to sever those ties.

The Honduran foreign minister's visit to China is taking place days before the Taiwan president is scheduled to visit two Central American nations, Guatemala and Belize. The trip, due to start next Wednesday, will include transits in the United States.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told parliament that the timing does not appear coincidental, suggesting that China is trying to get Honduras to cut off ties with Taiwan on the occasion of Tsai's foreign trip.