Honduras urged to avoid Chinese control of critical infra

To avoid problems with the US, Honduran business think-tank Cohep is urging the government to prevent China from gaining control of critical infrastructure.

“It is crucial that Honduras refuses to deliver the national management of critical infrastructure to any foreign country. In Honduras, the opportunity for dual use [military and logistics] of airports and maritime ports would complicate our relationship with the United States of America,” according to a Cohep report, cited by daily El Heraldo.

Honduras should also avoid “the risk of exploitation or succumbing to the concept of tied aid that characterizes the initiatives in China’s foreign policy.”

Ditching Taiwan, Honduras established diplomatic relations with China in March. In return for subscribing to the “One China” policy, Beijing promised investments, and prospects for a free trade agreement improved with talks starting in July.

Pictured: President Xiomara Castro and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. (Source: AFP).