The newest leader to sever relations with Taiwan departs for China

President Xiomara Castro is set to travel to China, just days after Honduras severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established relations with Beijing. The announcement comes as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visits the US, where she is expected to meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. China's Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision, calling it the "right choice" and declaring that engaging in separatist activities for Taiwan independence is against the will and interests of the Chinese nation. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to visit California on her way back home, and is expected to meet with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, despite warnings from Beijing. Zhu Fenglian, a spokeswoman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said any meeting with the high-ranking congressman would further escalate tensions between the island and Beijing.