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WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States said on Friday that it has recalled their senior diplomats in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Panama for the decision of these countries not to recognize Taiwan.
Washington has expressed concern over the growing number of countries that have cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of China.
El Salvador changed ties last month, while the Dominican Republic did so in May and Panama made the trip last year.
Taiwan, an autonomous country, now has formal relations with only 17 countries, almost all of which are small and less developed countries of Central America and the Pacific, including Belize and Nauru.
Like most other countries, Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Taipei, but is the largest arms supplier and the largest international supporter of the democratic island.
The White House warned last month that China is attracting countries with economic incentives that "facilitate economic dependence and domination, not partnership."
In a statement released on Friday, the US State Department announced that it had recalled US ambassador Robin Bernstein, US ambassador to El Salvador Jean Manes and US chargé d'affaires in Panama Roxanne Cabral acknowledge more long time Taiwan. "
Diplomats will meet with US government leaders "to discuss ways in which the United States can support strong, independent and democratic institutions and economies across Central America and the Caribbean."
On Wednesday, US senators introduced a bill that would allow the State Department to degrade relations between the United States and any government that moves away from Taiwan and to suspend or change the laws of the United States. assistance from the United States.
China views Taiwan as a rebel province and has never given up using force to put the island under control.
Report by Eric Beech; Editing by Sandra Maler
