Honduras has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan, leaving the country recognized by only 13 states. The Honduran Foreign Ministry announced it recognizes "only one China in the world". The announcement comes amid rising tensions between Beijing and the US, including increasing assertiveness toward self-ruled Taiwan. Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said that Honduras President Xiomara Castro was always interested in establishing ties with China before the presidential election, and that it ended its relationship with Honduras to "safeguard its sovereignty and dignity". The de facto US embassy in Taiwan, however, warns that China often makes promises in exchange for recognition that remain unfulfilled. As Honduras moves forward with ending ties with Taiwan in favor of China, the US emphasizes its commitment to deepen and expand engagement with Taiwan. Taiwan is a reliable, democratic partner, and its partnerships globally provide "significant and sustainable benefits to the citizens of those countries". The severance of ties with Taiwan comes at a time when China is seeking to expand its influence in the Central American region, raising concerns for the US regarding China's growing footprint in its backyard.