China urges U.S. not to "gesticulate" about countries abandoning Taiwan

Flagpoles of the national flags are seen inside the Diplomatic Quarter, where Taiwan ally embassies located, in Taipei, Taiwan August 23, 2018. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

BEIJING (Reuters) - China urged the United States on Monday not to "gesticulate" or make irresponsible remarks about governments dropping diplomatic support for self-ruled Taiwan, noting that Washington itself long ago established ties with Beijing.

China's Foreign Ministry made the comment after the U.S. State Department said on Friday that it had recalled its top diplomats in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Panama over those countries' decisions to no longer recognise Taiwan.