In a significant diplomatic setback for Taiwan, one of its last remaining allies, Nauru, has severed ties in favor of establishing relations with Beijing. The move comes shortly after Taiwan’s recent presidential election, where voters elected pro-sovereignty candidate William Lai. Beijing, asserting Taiwan as part of China, has been steadily poaching diplomatic allies from Taipei in recent years.
Nauru was among the 12 countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Taiwan, but the island nation’s government has now declared it will “no longer recognize [Taiwan] as a separate country but rather as an inalienable part of China’s territory.” Taiwanese officials attribute this loss to China’s dissatisfaction with the election results, particularly due to Lai’s past statements supporting Taiwanese independence.
Taipei contends that the timing of Nauru’s decision is not only a response to democratic elections but also a challenge to the international order. Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister, Tien Chung-kwang, accused China of exploiting “political fluctuations” in Nauru, suggesting that financial aid played a role in winning over the Micronesian island nation.
Addressing the media, Tien Chung-kwang emphasized that China’s attempts to suppress Taiwan through such methods would be futile. He expressed confidence that the global community, recognizing Taiwan’s democratic development, would not endorse such tactics by Beijing. Despite the loss, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains vigilant against potential further moves by China to isolate Taiwan on the international stage.
China, viewing Taiwan as a breakaway province destined for reunification under its control, welcomed Nauru’s decision. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that Nauru’s move exemplified the will of the people and the prevailing trend adhering to the “one-China principle.”
This isn’t the first time Nauru has switched diplomatic recognition. In 2002, Nauru previously shifted allegiance to China but later restored relations with Taiwan in May 2005. Analysts suggest that Nauru’s decision was not unexpected, as concerns about Pacific nations switching recognition to China have grown. With Taiwan having fewer diplomatic allies globally, each one becomes increasingly crucial in asserting its claim to sovereignty, making it likely that China will continue seeking opportunities to erode Taiwan’s influence.
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