El Salvador cuts its diplomatic ties with Taiwan and aligns with China. Salvador Sanchez Ceren, the nation's president, underpins the country's decision by highlighting extraordinary economic opportunities that would come by establishing allegiance with Beijing.
The announcement from El Salvador made a strong impact across the international community as it suggested full support of the "One China" policy that Beijing asserts include Taiwan as its province.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi received the announcement cordially, saying that the people of El Salvador will feel Chinese people's warmth and friendliness. The minister also added that the country will enjoy substantial benefits from its alliance with China.
Joseph Wu, Taiwan's foreign minister, said El Salvador has recently requested for loans for a project which officials deemed as economically unfeasible, The New York Times reported. The minister added that it will be impractical for Taiwan to compete against China in this regard.
Panama severed its ties with Taiwan in favor of Beijing in 2017. Since then, Panama has enjoyed investments from China. In July, the two nations began free trade talks which included plans of making Panama the central market for Chinese goods all across Central America.
The Dominican Republic and Burkina Faso have also cut relations with Taiwan in May 2018. Taiwan is now left with diplomatic ties with only 17 allies in Central America, the Pacific, including the Vatican.
Meanwhile, a report from the Taiwan Times said Taipei was the one who first announced that it is cutting its 85 years of diplomatic relations with El Salvador. The report said the announcement was made after the government learned about El Salvador's decision to align with China. The report noted that it is the first time that Taiwan initiated the move to drop an ally before the ally could even make the announcement.
A separate report from the same publication said El Salvador's switch sparked talks that the Port of La Union project will be overtaken by Beijing, making it the first ever Chinese military base in the Americas.
Indeed, an official from the U.S. State Department told Reuters that Washington is deeply disappointed by El Salvador's decision. The spokesman added the turn of events compelled Washington to review its own diplomatic relations with El Salvador.
Now with few nations siding with Taiwan, the United States is noting China's increasing presence and influence in the Central American region. Washington is compelled by law to aid Taiwan with military defense as the country is also Taipei's primary source of weapons.
As for the relations between El Salvador and the United States, the tensions have been escalating as the two countries debate over immigration policies.
