Honduras has officially severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan, recognizing Beijing as "the only legitimate government that represents all of China". The announcement was made by the country’s foreign ministry on Twitter and China's CCTV, and has left Taiwan recognised by only 13 sovereign states. The move comes after rising tensions between the US and China over China’s increasingly assertive position toward self-ruled Taiwan. China refuses to maintain diplomatic relations with any country that recognizes Taiwan, and has spent much of the past 40 years attempting to isolate the self-ruled island with offers of economic support. Honduras President Xiomara Castro had previously announced plans to establish diplomatic ties with China, signalling the end of Honduras’ relationship with Taiwan. Taiwan foreign minister Joseph Wu said the country cut ties with Honduras to "safeguard its sovereignty and dignity". Taiwan will be closing its embassy and consulate in Honduras following the move.