Honduras Swears in its First Ambassador to the Republic of China

Written by Jose Aguilar | September 17, 2023

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On September 14, Honduran president Xiomara Castro swore in Dr. Sir Salvador Moncada, a world-renowned scientist and academic, as the first Honduran Ambassador to the Republic of China. Dr. Moncada is also referred to as Sir Salvador Moncada, as he got the title in 2010 from the late Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the sciences. Dr. Moncada also holds British citizenship. Honduras broke diplomatic ties with Taiwan in March and then established diplomatic relations with the Republic of China the same month.  Dr. Moncada was appointed back in June, but he wasn’t sworn in until this week.

This week, Dr. Moncada met with the chancellor of the public university, the private sector, and a group from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Dr. Moncada stated that his main function as an ambassador is to represent in the best way possible the interests of Honduras and the Honduran people. Dr. Moncada also stated that there is a free trade agreement with China that is being discussed; this is one topic among others that is part of the talks between Honduras and China. It is important to note that the Honduran delegation, including President Xiomara Castro, visited the Republic of China back in June of this year.

This is an example of the growing influence of the Republic of China in Latin America. Honduras is the latest country to shift its foreign policy away from Taiwan, growing its diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing. This highlights the growing influence of Beijing in Latin America, which has implications in multiple strategic areas that concern the United States.