Taiwan welcomes large Czech delegation after Honduras shifts allegiance to China

27/3/2023 13:06

        Taiwan is part of a democratic alliance and can work with many friendly countries, Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said after welcoming a large Czech
        delegation to the island on Monday, one day after Honduras switched diplomatic allegiance to China.
        
        While the number of countries that retain formal diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan has dwindled to just 13 following the move by Honduras on Sunday, U.S. allies like the Czech Republic have been bolstering support for the democratic island even as they also only officially recognise China.
        
        The roughly 150-person Czech delegation arrived in Taipei on Saturday, led by the speaker of the lower chamber of the Czech parliament, Marketa Pekarova Adamova. China has criticised the visit.
        
        Speaking to reporters after addressing a Taiwan-Czech business forum, Wang said the timing of the Honduras announcement and the Czech delegation's arrival were two different things.
        
        "This visit of the delegation to Taiwan certainly represents that Taiwan is in a democratic alliance," she said.