Coronavirus: Honduras turns to China as rich nations hoard vaccines
- In a diplomatic shift, the long-time ally of Taiwan could open a commercial office in China in a bid to acquire supplies
- The Central American nation does not have formal relations with Beijing, but its president said his government would do what was necessary for its people
Honduras does not have formal relations with China and is one of a group of Latin American nations with strong diplomatic ties to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
Hernandez, frustrated rich countries have “hoarded” global vaccine supplies, said poorer countries desperately need vaccines and his government was willing to do whatever was necessary to help its people during a global pandemic.
If necessary, his government would open a trade office in China “because it is in the best interest of the Honduran people,” he said in a televised speech on Tuesday.
In order to buy Chinese vaccines, Hernandez said he would do as the Chinese had suggested and look for a “diplomatic bridge”.
He suggested Mexico, Chile, Argentina or El Salvador could help his nation acquire Chinese vaccines, and had also asked Taiwan to press the United States to help.