Harris’s Quick Hi to Taiwan Vice President Risks China’s Ire

U.S. Vice President had interaction on visit to Honduras
Beijing protests any interaction between Washington and Taipei

Kamala Harris during the inauguration of Honduran President Xiomara Castro in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, on Jan. 27.Photographer: Erin Schaff/AFP/Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Justin Sink

January 27, 2022 at 9:08 PM UTC

Updated on

January 28, 2022 at 8:15 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris greeted Taiwanese Vice President William Lai at the inauguration of Honduran President Xiomara Castro, a fleeting encounter that may nonetheless exacerbate tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Honduras is one of just 14 countries to recognize Taiwan as an independent state. Beijing regards the island as a breakaway province and regularly protests any interactions by foreign officials with those from Taipei.