The U.S. government said it “respects” Honduras’ decision to move toward formal diplomatic relations with China, the Central American country’s foreign minister, Enrique Reyna, said after talks Monday with American officials.

Mr. Reyna added that the country’s president, Xiomara Castro, made “general comments” on the decision at the meeting, which was attended by several officials, including Chris Dodd, the US presidential special envoy for the Americas.

Last week, Mrs. Castro announced that Honduras would establish diplomatic relations with China, de facto severing ties with Taiwan. After the process is completed, the countries that officially recognize Taiwan will be reduced to just 13 worldwide.

The State Department reacted immediately, warning Tegucigalpa that Beijing was making promises it was leaving unfulfilled.

In Central America, Costa Rica (in 2007), Panama (in 2017), El Salvador (in 2018) and Nicaragua (in 2021) severed relations with Taiwan and established relations with China.

Today, Taiwan’s foreign ministry referred to messages of support received from the US and urging Honduras not to believe China’s promises, while stressing that other Taipei allies, such as Paraguay, have reaffirmed that they will stand by its side.

Taiwan’s diplomatic spokesman, Jeff Liu, told accredited reporters that the island is “working hard” on its relationship with Honduras, taking care not to go into details.

In the name of the “one China” doctrine, Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway Chinese province, does not accept the establishment of diplomatic relations between any country and the island. China’s recognition by any government thus implies the de facto severance of its relations with Taiwan.