Threatening retaliation over closer relations with China is misguided

Two weeks ago, El Salvador recognised China, breaking off its long-standing relationship with Taiwan. Its decision to do so further enhanced China’s standing in the hemisphere and followed similar actions by Panama and the Dominican Republic. 

What, however, was different this time around was the response from the Trump Administration.

The language was unequivocal. A statement from the White House said that the decision was of “grave concern.” Washington would, it observed, now reevaluate its relationship with El Salvador and counter Chinese “political interference in the Western Hemisphere.” It added that the Government of El Salvador’s decision affected ‘the economic health and security of the entire Americas region.’