Gambia-President Yahya Jammeh of Gambia has announced that it has cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

A statement from his office reads that the move was for reasons of "national strategic interest" without further explanation.

The West African state was one of a few African countries to recognise Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory.

 Despite the announcement, Mr Jammeh said Gambia hoped to "remain friends" with the Taiwanese people.

 "We are proud that we have been a very strong and reliable partner of the Republic of China [Taiwan] 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."

While reacting to the Gambian decision, Vice Foreign Minister Simon Ko said  "Our government expressed shock and regret that Gambian President Yahya Jammeh sent a letter to our embassy in Gambia on 14 November to inform us [of] the immediate termination of ties," "We think this is Jammeh's personal decision," he added.

China has been investing heavily in Africa at it relies on the continent for oil and other natural resources.

Gambia's decision means that Swaziland, Sao Tome and Principe and Burkina Faso are the only African countries that remain allies with Taiwan.

China and Taiwan split in 1949, when the Chinese Communist Party overthrew the Republic of China (ROC) and founded the People's Republic on the mainland, forcing the ROC government to retreat to Taiwan. Beijing says Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Initially, most African states recognised the Taipei government but their number has steadily declined.

 It is unclear if the move is linked to the development of relations with China, which has a growing influence in Africa.