Nauru breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan

While acknowledging the right of the Republic of Nauru to pursue diplomatic relations with any nation of their choosing, the United States also said the Pacific nation’s decision is “disappointing.”

On Jan. 15, the Republic of Nauru announced it would recognize the People’s Republic of China and no longer recognize the Republic of China-Taiwan as a separate country.

The decision was being made, according to the announcement, “in the best interests of the Republic and people of Nauru.” Officials said its move to the One-China Principle “is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government representing the whole of China.”

“This change is in no way intended to affect our existing warm relationships with other countries,” officials announced. “Our government remains focused on moving Nauru forward and this policy change is a significant first step in moving forward with Nauru’s development.”

Nauru officials added that Nauru wants to “maintain friendly relations with other countries.”

U.S. Department of State issued a statement in response the Nauru’s announcement. Matthew Miller, department spokesperson, said Taiwan is a “reliable, likeminded, and democratic partner.”

“The PRC often makes promises in exchange for diplomatic relations that ultimately remain unfulfilled. We encourage all countries to expand engagement with Taiwan and to continue to support democracy, good governance, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law,” Miller said. “The United States will continue to deepen and expand our engagement with Taiwan on our many shared interests and values, support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the international community, and deepen our economic ties, consistent with our longstanding one China policy.”
Taiwan said it will sever diplomatic ties with Nauru.

“In order to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, Taiwan has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with Nauru effective immediately as well as comprehensively cease bilateral cooperation plans, withdraw our embassy staff and technical mission personnel, and request that Nauru close its embassy in Taiwan,” Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang is reported as saying during a press conference in Taipei.

Nauru’s announcement followed the democratic elections in Taiwan where Vice President Lai Ching-te, of the Democratic Progressive Party, was elected president. Lai has been a staunch proponent of an independent Taiwan.

The break in diplomatic relations leaves Taiwan with 12 diplomat allies.

This isn’t’ the first time Nauru disassociated from Taiwan. Official relations between Taiwan and Nauru was first established in 1980. That relationship was severed in 2002, adopting the one-China policy. Then in 2003, Nauru closed its embassy in China and in 2005 re-established relations with Taiwan.  mbj