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REUTERS
WASHINGTON
US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to withdraw funding and aid from Honduras if it does not stop a caravan of migrants that is heading to the United States, in his latest effort to show his administration's tough stance on immigration.
The message, driven home by Vice President Mike Pence who said he spoke to Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, could further encourage the Central American country to move closer to China because of what it sees as weak US support.
Up to 3,000 migrants crossed from Honduras into Guatemala on Monday on a trek northward, after a standoff with Guatemalan police in riot gear and warnings from Washington that migrants should not try to enter the United States illegally.
"The United States has strongly informed the President of Honduras that if the large Caravan of people heading to the US is not stopped and brought back to Honduras, no more money or aid will be given to Honduras, effective immediately!"Trump said on Twitter.
It was not clear how Honduras would be able to exercise control over people who had already left the country. Honduran authorities did not immediately respond.
Pence tweeted that had spoken to Hernandez.
"Delivered strong message from @POTUS: no more aid if caravan is not stopped. Told him US will not tolerate this blatant disregard for our border & sovereignty,"Pence said.
The friction coincides with intensified efforts by Beijing to win recognition from Central American countries that are currently allied with Taiwan.
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17/10/2018
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