TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan said Wednesday it hopes to rebuild diplomatic ties with Honduras as both leading presidential candidates signal openness to resuming relations, Reuters reported.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said that Taipei has maintained contact with Salvador Nasralla and Nasry Asfura, candidates who have publicly indicated they may re-establish ties if elected. Both have criticized outgoing President Xiomara Castro’s decision in 2023 to cut relations with Taiwan for China.

“As for the two presidential candidates who are friendly towards Taiwan, we have maintained good interactions with both of them,” Lin said. He added that Taipei seeks to rebuild relations and has kept communication channels open with all camps.

Asked whether the restoration of ties is likely, Lin said Taiwan remained open and would begin discussions with the president-elect. A reversal in Honduras would mark China’s biggest diplomatic setback in Latin America since Nicaragua re-established relations with Taiwan in 1990.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said the election was an internal matter for Honduras. He said China’s partnership with Honduras had “yielded fruitful results” since ties were established in March 2023.

The race is also drawing attention in Washington. US President Donald Trump, who supports Asfura, claimed Monday that Honduras appeared to be “trying to change” its election results.