China gave considerable publicity to the first anniversary of its establishment of diplomatic relations with the Central American nation of Honduras, which fell on March 26. The prominence given to this occasion reflects the strong growth in bilateral friendship in such a short time and the high degree of common understanding reached between socialist China and the progressive government of Honduras.
Marking the occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Honduran President Xiomara Castro exchanged congratulations.
Xi pointed out that the establishment of diplomatic ties had opened a new chapter in their bilateral relations. He noted that during Castro’s successful state visit to China last June, they held talks and reached important consensus, setting the direction for the development of bilateral relations. Over the past year, the two sides have upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development, ensuring that bilateral relations started to grow from a high level, he added.
Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Honduras relations and is willing to work with Castro to take the first anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity to consolidate mutual support, expand all-round cooperation, and jointly write a better future.
Castro said that China, with a multi-millennial civilisation and a major role to play in the historical process underway, is a role model for the world and an important partner of Honduras.
The past year saw China’s dedication to innovative development, its participation in efforts to find solutions to global problems and strenuous assistance with worldwide poverty reduction efforts, she added.
Honduras firmly sticks to the one-China principle and is willing to develop ties with China that feature independence and mutual respect, she said, expressing her wish that the two peoples will enjoy a long-lasting friendship.
Xi’s sentiments were echoed by spokesperson Lin Jian at the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference the same day.
Lin noted that the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and conducted fruitful cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism and other fields.
China, he continued, attaches great importance to its relations with Honduras and will work with Honduras to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, further consolidate political mutual trust and deepen bilateral cooperation.
In an interview with the Xinhua News Agency, Fredis Cerrato, Honduras’ minister of economic development, said that China is a strategic partner for Honduras with investments becoming concrete and bilateral negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) going well. The relationship is being consolidated in “giant steps” in different areas, and he believed that the FTA being negotiated, would allow more Honduran agricultural products to be exported to China and generate numerous jobs through investments from Chinese business.
Honduras attended the China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai in November last year, for the first time. Accorded the status of the Guest Country of Honour, its signature agricultural and marine products were well received by visitors.
Meanwhile, China’s textile supplier Texhong and consumer product manufacturer Sunda International Group have both announced investments in Honduras, which are estimated to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
These investments, together with Honduras’ agricultural exports to China, are expected to help the Central American country fulfil its economic and commercial development goals.
Such cooperation is going to lift the added values of agro products, generate jobs, raise foreign exchange income, and improve social welfare for the country, Cerrato said.
The minister believed that exchanges and cooperation would promote the transfer of technology and knowledge so that young people can receive training. “With China’s growth and progress, we have no doubt that it is a strategic and fundamental partner for the development of our country.”
In another report, rounding up people-to-people exchanges, Xinhua quoted Honduran artist, Hermes Estrada as saying that, in his eyes, Honduras and China are “friends and brothers.” He believes that there are striking resemblances between the Chinese civilisation and the Mayan civilisation of Honduras, not least in emphasising respect for nature and advocating harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
And on the night of March 26, Changsha, the capital of central China’s Hunan Province, staged an elaborate light show to celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The iconic buildings along the Xiangjiang River in Changsha were illuminated in a spectacle that mirrored the colours of the Honduran flag.
The show was also held to celebrate the recent signature of a letter of intent to begin an official sister city relationship between Changsha and San Pedro Sula, Honduras’ largest commercial and economic hub known for its textiles, sugar, brewing, clothing and tobacco industries.
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.
Xi, Honduran president exchange congratulations on 1st anniversary of ties
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Honduran President Xiomara Castro exchanged congratulations on Tuesday over the first anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.
Xi pointed out that in March last year, China and Honduras established diplomatic ties, opening a new chapter in their bilateral relations.
He noted that during Castro’s successful state visit to China last June, they held talks and reached important consensus, setting the direction for the development of bilateral relations.
Over the past year, the two sides have upheld the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and common development, ensuring that bilateral relations started to grow from a high level, he said.
Xi said he highly appreciates Honduras’s firm adherence to the one-China principle, stressing that facts have proved that the establishment of the China-Honduras diplomatic relations is a correct political decision made in compliance with the historical trend and serves the fundamental interests of the two nations.
Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Honduras relations and is willing to work with Castro to take the first anniversary of bilateral ties as an opportunity to consolidate mutual support, expand all-round cooperation, and jointly write a better future for China-Honduras relations.
Castro said that China, with a multi-millennial civilization and a major role to play in the historical process, is a role model for the world and an important partner of Honduras.
The past year saw China’s dedication to innovative development, its participation in efforts to find solutions to global problems and strenuous assistance with worldwide poverty reduction efforts, she said.
Honduras firmly sticks to the one-China principle and is willing to develop ties with China that feature independence and mutual respect, she said, expressing her wish that the two peoples will enjoy a long-lasting friendship.
China, Honduras cooperation fruitful since diplomatic ties established: spokesperson
BEIJING, March 26 (Xinhua) — China and Honduras have carried out fruitful cooperation in many fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties one year ago, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said here Tuesday.
“Today, China and Honduras celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations,” Lin said, adding that one year ago, China and Honduras established diplomatic relations on the basis of the one-China principle, and the two countries opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.
The two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and conducted fruitful cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism and other fields, Lin added.
The rapid development of China-Honduras relations proves that establishing and developing relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle conforms to the trend of history and the times, and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, he said.
Lin said China attaches great importance to its relations with Honduras and will work with Honduras to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, further consolidate political mutual trust and deepen bilateral cooperation.
It is believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, the China-Honduras friendship will grow into a towering tree and bear more fruits, said Lin.
Interview: China is Honduras’ strategic partner for exports, technological development, says minister
TEGUCIGALPA, March 26 (Xinhua) — China is a strategic partner for Honduras with investments becoming concrete and bilateral negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) going well, a Honduran minister has said.
China-Honduras diplomatic relations, which were established in March 2023, are being consolidated in “giant steps” in different areas, Fredis Cerrato, Honduras’ minister of economic development, told Xinhua.
Negotiation on the FTA has been “carried out satisfactorily,” said Cerrato.
The two sides started the FTA negotiations in July 2023, about four months after the establishment of diplomatic relations.
He believed the agreement would allow more Honduran agricultural products to be exported to China and generate numerous jobs through investments from Chinese businessmen under the framework of the FTA.
Cerrato’s expectations are based on the growth potential of China-Honduras trade as what he confirmed at the sixth China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai in November last year.
Honduras attended the CIIE for the first time in 2023 as the Guest Country of Honor and exhibited signature Honduran products, especially agricultural and marine products, which were “very well received” by visitors.
“We believe we are going to be able to develop an extraordinary trade relationship in the areas of tobacco, coffee, shrimp and sugar, among other products,” Cerrato said, noting that Honduran coffee is already being exported to China.
Coffee is one of the distinctive items of Honduras’ exports. During the CIIE last year, Honduran producers signed contracts with Chinese importers for coffee products.
China’s textile supplier Texhong and consumer product manufacturer Sunda International Group have both announced investments in Honduras, which are estimated to generate more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
These investments, together with Honduras’ agricultural exports to China, are expected to help the Central American country fulfill its economic and commercial development goals.
Such cooperation is going to lift the added values of agro-products, generate jobs, raise foreign exchange income, and improve social welfare for the country, said Cerrato.
The minister believed that exchanges and cooperation would promote the transfer of technology and knowledge so that young people can receive training.
“With China’s growth and progress, we have no doubt that it is a strategic and fundamental partner for the development of our country,” Cerrato said.
“We need to continue to build an increasingly strong long-term relationship so that we bet on a win-win situation and that both countries can bring benefits to their people,” he added.
Xiplomacy: One year on, China, Honduras bringing off new feats in exchanges, cooperation
BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) — Honduras, with a mild climate and ample rainfall, is perfect for growing coffee, hence a leading central-American coffee producer and the sixth-largest coffee producer worldwide.
China would promote the early introduction of Honduran specialty products to the Chinese market, Chinese President Xi Jinping told his Honduran counterpart, Iris Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, in June last year when Castro was on a state visit to China.
Already, Honduran coffee has been gaining popularity among Chinese coffee-lovers.
As Tuesday marks the 1st anniversary of bilateral ties, Xi, in a congratulatory message, pledged that he is ready to work with Castro to consolidate mutual support, and expand all-round cooperation.
“INFINITE OPPORTUNITIES”
These days, Santos Alberto Gaitan and his family have been bending over backwards to explore unique coffee drinks featuring the most authentic Honduran flavour, which they will present as a signature product at this year’s China International Imports Expo (CIIE), the world’s largest trade fair.
At present, there are approximately 25,000 Honduran families that live by coffee planting. Over the past nearly 80 years, the Gaitans, among others, have grown their family business from a small workshop to one of the biggest coffee purchasing and production companies in El Paraiso Department.
During the sixth CIIE in November last year, Honduran exhibitors signed cooperation agreements for thousands of tons of coffee with Chinese importers.
Making its maiden presence at the trade fair, Honduran companies also brought other major agricultural products like tobacco and chocolate, and the country was one of the five guest countries of honor at the event.
For Gaitan and other Honduran businessmen, China stands as a top export destination with a booming market and growing demand. “The Chinese market is huge and very attractive. It offers numerous opportunities for business and cooperation,” he said.
Also during his meeting with Castro last year, Xi said China is willing to start the negotiation process for a free trade agreement at an early date. So far, negotiations on the China-Honduras Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have made substantial progress since they began last July. Last week, China and Honduras held the fourth round of the FTA negotiations in Beijing, conducting comprehensive and in-depth consultations on fields such as trade in goods and services, and investment. A month earlier, the two countries signed an early harvest arrangement for the bilateral FTA.
Noting the rounds of FTA negotiations “have been carried out satisfactorily,” Honduras’ Minister of Economic Development Fredis Cerrato said the FTA will promote production and exports of premium Honduran agricultural and marine goods, generate jobs and foreign exchange, and attract Chinese investment.
“With China’s growth and progress, we have no doubt that it is a strategic and fundamental partner for the development of our country … We need to continue to build an increasingly strong long-term relationship, so that we bet on a win-win situation and that both countries can bring benefits to their people,” Cerrato said.
Given the ongoing FTA negotiations, Gaitan regarded it imperative for entrepreneurs like him to “learn more about Chinese culture and consumers, and seize the infinite opportunities of economic and trade cooperation between our two countries.”
“FRIENDS, BROTHERS”
The closer bond between the two peoples since the establishment of China-Honduras diplomatic relations has brought an influx of Honduran visitors to China.
Honduran artist Hermes Estrada has grabbed a chance to realize his “biggest dream” — to go to China and learn Chinese music, dance and art.
As a Chinese culture enthusiast, Estrada has been invited to participate in the Shanghai Tourism Festival scheduled for September. During the city’s annual tourism extravaganza, Estrada and his troupe are expected to wow local residents and global travelers with their exquisite performance of Latin music and dance.
The 42-year-old artist had paid a visit to China in 2012. In his eyes, Honduras and China, one of the world’s most picturesque countries, are “friends and brothers.”
He believes that there are striking resemblances between the Chinese civilization and the Mayan civilization of Honduras, not least in emphasizing respect for nature and advocating harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. “I hope I can have more opportunities to visit China,” he added.
During talks with the Honduran leader, Xi called on the two sides to promote people-to-people exchanges and consolidate the popular support for the friendship of the two countries.
Over the past year, from launching the first course on traditional Chinese painting in Honduras to carrying out a joint archaeological project at the Maya Site of Copan, China and Honduras have achieved remarkable results in cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, bringing the two ancient civilizations even closer.
Many of the business leaders and journalists, who were in the China-visiting delegation led by Castro, said the trip has transformed their perception of China.
TELLING CHINA’S STORIES
For veteran journalists like Juan Ortiz, China-related topics and stories worth reporting are simply “too many to write.”
After reporting in China for two months, Ortiz, head of the Information Department of Honduran weekly the People Power, marveled at the dynamics and achievements of the Chinese modernization drive, which he believes has brought fresh development opportunities to Latin America.
He pointed out an urgent need to represent a real China and its development trajectory in news reporting. “The reality of China is completely different from those distorted reports by the West,” Ortiz said. “If you want to understand China, you must go to China and see so many wonderful places!”
Ortiz’s perceptions were echoed by multiple media delegates, who have visited China since the establishment of China-Honduras ties and whose footprints spanned from eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang to southwestern Chongqing Municipality.
Kimberly Espinoza, director of Honduras’ national public television broadcaster Channel 8, was deeply impressed by China’s people-centered development philosophy. “President Xi always harbors sincere feelings for the people and values their well-being.”
From his perspective, establishing bilateral relations is a historic choice for Honduras, and China will bring great impetus and experience to benefit Honduras’ development. “The world will see a brand-new Honduras,” he added.
Light show celebrates 1st anniversary of China-Honduras diplomatic ties
CHANGSHA, March 26 (Xinhua) — Changsha, the capital of central China’s Hunan Province, on Tuesday evening staged an elaborate light show to celebrate the first anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Honduras.
The iconic buildings along the Xiangjiang River in Changsha were illuminated in a spectacle that mirrored the colors of the Honduran flag.
The show was also held to celebrate the recent signature of a letter of intent to begin an official sister city relationship between Changsha and San Pedro Sula, Honduras’ largest commercial and economic hub known for its textiles, sugar, brewing, clothing and tobacco industries.
Zhou Haibing, vice governor of Hunan Province and mayor of Changsha, said that Changsha is a vibrant city where historical culture and modern styles blend perfectly, a charming city where natural and urban landscapes coexist harmoniously, and a hub where industrial development and innovation resources complement one another.
Zhou expressed optimism about the vast potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Changsha and San Pedro Sula, and said he hopes the two cities will write a new chapter in their friendship and work toward a prosperous future of win-win cooperation.
On March 26, 2023, China and Honduras signed a joint communique in Beijing on the establishment of diplomatic relations.
China, Honduras hold 4th round of FTA negotiations
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) — The fourth round of negotiations on the China-Honduras Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was held in Beijing from Tuesday to Thursday, the Ministry of Commerce said Thursday.
The two countries have conducted comprehensive and in-depth consultations on fields such as trade in goods, trade in services, investment and rules, and have made positive progress, according to the ministry.
China and Honduras established diplomatic relations in March 2023. The two countries began discussions on the FTA on July 4, 2023 and signed an early harvest arrangement for the bilateral FTA last month. ■
I am from Vancouver,Canada and i wanted to say that for to many Latin American countries the USA is still a problem. China is helping to solve that problem. Latin American countries like Honduras will see that China don’t bring poverty like the USA but instead makes their countries better than it was with US Imperialism.