On the face of it, this week’s break in diplomatic relations between tiny Taiwan, population 23.5 million, and even tinier El Salvador, population 6.3m, did not herald a dramatic shift in global politics. But the Central American nation’s sudden switch in allegiance to China has clearly rattled its US neighbour. 

Accusing China of destabilising cross-Strait relations, the White House said: "This is a decision that affects not just El Salvador, but also the economic health and security of the entire Americas region."

It reiterated that the US would reevaluate its ties with the Central American country as a result.

Reacting to the news earlier, high profile US Senators Marco Rubio and Cory Gardner,…