No more 'banana republics': Honduras, China united by a common destiny

Editor's note: Keith Lamb, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a University of Oxford graduate with a Master of Science in Contemporary Chinese Studies. His primary research interests are China's international relations and "socialism with Chinese characteristics." The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

One year has passed since Honduras formally established diplomatic relations with China, recognizing it as the "sole legal government representing the whole of China" including the Taiwan region, which "is an inalienable part of Chinese territory." In doing so, Honduras severed the so-called diplomatic relations with the Taiwan authorities, which unofficially receives U.S. support.

Considering that the U.S., with a history of meddling in Central America, still holds significant sway, one might ask, why has Honduras switched sides? Honduras opposed U.S. hegemonism, which despite recognizing Beijing, patronizingly urges the remaining supporters of the Taiwan Region, not to establish diplomatic relations with Beijing.

For Honduras, it's not about cutting ties with the U.S. – it will not play ideological cold war games. Indeed, it has strong security ties with the U.S. and in 2021 over 52 percent of its exports, worth $4.81 billion, went to the U.S. In contrast, in the same year, only about 1 percent of its exports went to China, including the Taiwan region. As such, one can look at Honduras' recognition, of Beijing, as a pragmatic attempt to "expand the pie."

Pragmatism is key for developing countries and the China market is increasingly important. In the first four months of 2023, China's imports from and exports to Honduras reached $540 million and Honduran imports grew by 229.5 percent. Since establishing ties, both sides have been working to build on this success. Beijing immediately green-lighted important Honduran products and both sides are working towards reaching a Free Trade Agreement.

Chinese-Honduran trade, which works to improve the Honduran economy, may also help solve the problem of immigration. Poverty and inequality have been the main drive for workers moving from Honduras to the U.S. In 2021, Kamala Harris went to Honduras telling its citizens, "Do not come!" However, this is easier said than done. This is a pattern of migration that exists due to the purposeful impoverishment of other parts of the globe, by a minority, through economic coercion and hard power.

Immigration into the West isn't an absolute good or bad that should fundamentally divide the left and right. What is fundamental though is the undemocratic nefarious causes of migration caused by a minority. In a world characterized by peace and development, there exists democratic migration where those from the U.S. will just as willingly move to Honduras. 

Systematically, Honduras must stand with the proven forces of peace and development – it must recognize its common destiny with China, building common prosperity, if it wishes to escape its history, which is that of being the inspiration for the term "banana republic" characterized by extreme exploitation by an outside power through the use of coups and military occupation to implement economic subservience to corporate interests. While relations with the U.S. have improved, even with increased U.S. aid deep-seated problems persist. Thus, Honduras must partner with all the major powers in the world.

By recognizing China, Honduras has aligned itself with the wider democratic will of humanity, who seek development in areas such as education, health, technology, and infrastructure through a rising global order of win-win cooperation, rather than outdated Western-led economic patterns of unequal development, characterized by sovereign interference.

Beijing, with its incredible development successes and poverty alleviation, has a proven track record of being a long-term trusted win-win partner in the developing world. This is evidenced through its numerous Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, as well as lending practices, which do not infringe on sovereignty.

There was no procrastination in initiating mutually beneficial Chinese-Honduran relations. As early as June 2023, Honduran President Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, upon visiting Beijing, jointly announced with Chinese President Xi Jinping to boost BRI cooperation. In addition, 17 bilateral cooperation documents in BRI construction, economy, trade, quality inspection, agriculture, science and technology, culture, and education were signed.

Already a $300 million hydroelectric dam project in central Honduras has been completed with Chinese government financing. After one year of diplomatic ties, there have been further tangible results. During a recent celebration of diplomatic ties, a series of documents were signed – one is a cooperation agreement that will allocate $275 million of Chinese funding to help build schools across Honduras. Furthermore, Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina announced that cooperation was also advancing in investment, technology, infrastructure, and media.

This is only the start. Traditionally, Honduras has merely been the exporter of raw products, which is one factor holding the Global South back. China has proven that it can advance up the production ladder and it is disposed to helping others do the same. This resolve was further demonstrated at the recently concluded "two sessions," which stressed that advancing "new quality productive forces" was not only about improving China's competitiveness, in the field of science and technology but all the Global South's.

In the coming decades, Honduras, with China's help, will hopefully have the opportunity to also process its products by its citizens who need not leave due to poverty.

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