“Washington has long considered Central America within its sphere of influence and frowns on any additional influence from China in the region,” said Gary Sands, a former US diplomat and analyst at geostrategic consultancy Wikistrat.
“To a certain extent, the United States, as Honduras’ most important economic partner, can offer economic incentives to Tegucigalpa or apply diplomatic pressure,” he said.
The special adviser to the president of the United States for the Americas, Christopher J. Dodd, will travel to Honduras and Panama on Friday, the embassy of the North American country in Tegucigalpa reported on Thursday.
In Honduras, the official will meet with Honduran politicians and representatives of the private sector. Dodd will end his trip on Tuesday of next week.
“These visits further the United States’ commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere,” the embassy explained in a statement.
How does the loss of allies impact Taiwan?
Despite the dwindling number of countries that recognize it, Taiwan could not be considered internationally isolated even if it were left without official allies, analysts say.
“Strong, multi-factor ties with influential economies and democracies are better at solidifying Taiwan’s international presence than official ties with relatively small countries,” J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based consultant for the International Republican Institute, told AFP.
“The authorities and NGOs in Taiwan have been very active in managing relationships with international partners through unofficial channels,” said Lo Li-chia, a political analyst at the University of Canberra, in an interview with the French agency. “This part would not disappear even if Taiwan has zero international recognition.”
With information from AFP, EFE and Reuters
