BACKYARD: The US was mainly responding to China’s encroachment on its sphere of influence, academics said, adding it might mull radical moves if China continues

Taipei Times
Date: Sep 11, 2018
By: Lu Yi-hsuan and Sherry Hsiao  /  Staff reporter, with staff writer

The US Department of State’s decision to summon its envoys to three Latin American nations signified growing concern over China’s influence in the region and the greater importance that Washington attaches to Taiwan, but it might complicate matters, two Taiwanese academics said on Sunday, adding that the outcome of the move was still uncertain.

US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement on Friday said the department had summoned US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Robin Bernstein, US Ambassador to El Salvador Jean Manes and US Charge d’Affaires in Panama Roxanne Cabral for “consultations related to recent decisions to no longer recognize Taiwan.”

The recall of an ambassador usually signifies that the situation is serious, said Ding Shuh-fan (丁樹範), an adjunct research fellow at National Chengchi University’s Institute of International Relations.

The department’s move reflects the US’ concerns over the expansion of China’s influence in Latin America, but it also shows that the US Congress’ interest in Latin America and its proposals in support of Taiwan have created pressure on the department, he said.    [FULL  STORY]