Taiwan recalled its ambassador to Honduras over a visit by Tegucigalpa's Foreign Minister to China, as per a statement released by Taipei's government.

"Honduras ignored more than 80 years of friendship between (Taiwan and Honduras) when they sent their foreign minister to China, which has seriously damaged the feelings of our government and people," said a Foreign Ministry statement.

"We have decided to immediately recall our ambassador in Honduras to express our strong dissatisfaction," it added.

The statement came as Honduras Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina was en route to China to begin negotiations over the establishment of diplomatic ties with Beijing, as per government officials.

It is worth noting that China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes any direct official foreign contacts with the island.

Last Monday, President Xiomara Castro of Honduras ordered Reina to open diplomatic ties with Beijing, severing Honduras' connections with Taiwan.

No nation may retain formal diplomatic ties with both China and Taiwan under Beijing's "One China" policy. Having severed connections in the past with nations that transferred their recognition to Beijing, Taipei continues to adhere to a similar approach.

After losing a number of Latin American allies in recent years, Taiwan would have just 13 nations with which it has formal diplomatic relations if Honduras were to switch recognition.

Reina was being accompanied to China by lawmaker Xiomara Zelaya, the daughter of President Castro, three government and diplomatic officials said as quoted by AFP.

According to Rodolfo Pastor, Minister of the Presidency, the Chinese mission will meet with the Honduran delegation.

Beijing has not officially acknowledged the visit, but Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated on Thursday that China was "eager" to forge relations with Honduras.

"China welcomes the positive remarks made by the Honduran government on developing relations with China and stands ready to establish and develop bilateral relations with Honduras on the basis of equality and mutual respect," said Wang.

Last week, Reina claimed that the decision to forge relations with China was motivated by economic need and Taiwan's refusal to extend financial assistance to Honduras.

The change, which President Xiomara Castro had pledged to make while running for office, was made a few weeks after the administration revealed it was in talks with China to build a hydroelectric dam.