Gambia said Thursday it had broken off diplomatic relations with Taiwan after 18 years, citing the “national interest”.
Gambia was one of only a handful of African countries to retain ties with Taiwan at a time when China is pumping billions of dollars into the continent.
President Yahya Jammeh said diplomatic ties, established in July 1995, would end immediately.
“This decision has been taken in our strategic national interest,” said a statement issued by his office.
“We are proud that we have been a very strong and reliable partner of the Republic of China for the past 18 years, the results of which are there for every Taiwanese to see.
“Despite the end of diplomatic ties with Taiwan, we will still remain friends with the people of Taiwan.”
Beijing regards Taiwan, which split from mainland China in 1949 at the end of a civil war, as part of its territory.