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, representing Florida and Colorado respectively, immediately hit out with threats via their Twitter accounts.

“El Salvador has made the wrong decision regarding Taiwan, and it will negatively influence US relations with El Salvador. The US government must stand up to China’s campaign to bully Taiwan with every tool we have,” said Mr Gardner.

Mr Rubio told his 3.6 million followers on Twitter: “I have joined @SenCoryGardner in an amendment to end foreign aid to #ElSalvador after their leftist government decided to abandon #Taiwan in favor of #China. I also spoke to @realdonaldtrump about cutting off their aid just a few minutes ago. "