(CNN) The United States has recalled its top diplomats from Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Panama for consultations over those countries' recent decisions to no longer recognize Taiwan. "Panama respects the decision of the United States to recall its Charge d'Affaires in Panama as well as its diplomats in El Salvador and the Dominican Republic," Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement following the US move. "Panama will continue to work with North America on both countries' bilateral agenda." El Salvador cut ties with Taiwan in August, Dominican Republic in May and Panama last summer. With the recent severed ties, the number of Taipei's formal diplomatic allies is just 17.

Source: CNN September 08, 2018 01:17 UTC