China and Honduras established diplomatic ties on Sunday after the Central American country announced a severing of diplomatic ties with Taiwan. This brings the number of sovereign states that recognize Taiwan to 13 -- the fewest ever.

China says Foreign Minister Qin Gang and Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina met in Beijing on Sunday and signed a joint communique to establish diplomatic ties.

The communique says the two governments agree to develop friendly relations on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

Honduras cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, stating that it recognized the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate government that represents all of China and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is due to depart on Wednesday for a visit to Guatemala and Belize, which maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

She is expected to meet US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on her way back. Beijing strongly opposes the planned meeting.

Taiwan is to hold a presidential election in January 2024. China is stepping up pressure ahead of the election.
Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te is expected to run from Tsai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party.