Nauru Cuts Ties With Taiwan In Order To Restore Relations With China
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In a new blow to Taiwan, the island nation of Nauru has decided to sever all diplomatic ties with Taipei. As per the statement released by the Nauru government, all ties with Taiwan have been cut as the nation focuses on restoring its relations with China.
The decision to cut ties comes days after the Taiwanese presidential elections which saw the victory of William Lai Ching-te, the leader of the Democratic Progressive Party and the incumbent vice president.
Confirming the cut in ties, the Taiwan government also stated that Nauru and Taipei have cut all diplomatic relations during a press briefing.
This is the second time Nauru has severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The Pacific island nation first cut its ties in 2002 and revived them in 2005.
China on the other hand, has welcomed Nauru’s decision. “As a sovereign and independent nation, Nauru has announced… that it has severed its so-called ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan and is willing to restore relations with China,” stated a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry.
“China appreciates and welcomes the Nauru government’s decision,” the statement added further.
China further stated that Nauru’s decision to cut ties with Taiwan reiterated that the “One China Principle reflects the sentiments of the people and is in line with the general trend”. Based on this “principle”, Beijing has agreed to renew its ties with the Pacific island nation and start afresh.
With Nauru cutting off ties, Taiwan is left with 12 diplomatic allies – Guatemala, Belize, Haiti, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in Latin America, Marshall Islands, Palau and Tuvalu. in the Pacific islands, Eswatini in Africa and Vatican City in Europe.
