Nauru has officially changed its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China within 48 hours of Taiwan’s recent presidential election.
The Micronesian island nation, situated northeast of Australia, expressed its decision to recognize the People’s Republic of China, emphasizing the move as being in the “best interests of the Republic and people of Nauru.”
This shift leaves Taiwan with only 12 formal diplomatic allies.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision, stating that it would mark a “new chapter in bilateral relations with Nauru on the basis of the one-China principle.”
Taiwan’s ministry of Foreign Affairs learned of the decision on Sunday, a day after the election.
China applauds and welcomes Nauru’s decision to sever its so-called “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan and seek the resumption of diplomatic ties with China. pic.twitter.com/tBhnCCnYeO
— Spokesperson发言人办公室 (@MFA_China) January 15, 2024
Tien Chung-kwang, the vice-minister of foreign affairs, mentioned that Taiwan’s foreign minister, Joseph Wu, currently in Guatemala, was “very upset” about the development.
The timing of Nauru’s decision, following Taiwan’s election, adds complexity to the situation.
The re-elected Democratic Progressive Party, known for its pro-sovereignty stance, faces increasing pressure from China, which considers Taiwan a province to be annexed.
Nauru becomes the tenth country to switch recognition during Tsai Ing-wen’s presidency.
Tien highlighted the challenge of determining if the decision would have been the same had the opposition Kuomintang won the election, emphasizing China’s persistent efforts to influence Taiwan internationally.
Notably, the last country to sever ties with Taiwan was Honduras in April of the previous year.
Some nations openly cited financial incentives as a factor in their decisions. Vice-minister Tien did not address financial demands from Nauru but expressed concerns about China’s history of delivering unfulfilled economic promises.
Surprisingly, Nauru’s decision contradicted its previous gestures of support towards Taiwan.
Despite a state visit by the former president, Russ Joseph Kun, Nauru’s leadership changed, leading to uncertainties about the stability of their relationship with Taiwan.
Nauru’s move caught many by surprise, given its previous expressions of support for Taiwan.
This diplomatic shift reduces Taiwan’s formal allies to a select few countries, emphasizing the challenges it faces on the international stage.
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