The Pacific Island nation of Nauru on Monday that it is switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, a move that reduces the number of the democratic island’s allies to a nearly dozen countries. In a statement, the government said that “in the best interests” of the country and its people it was seeking full resumption of diplomatic ties with China.
China has welcomed Nauru’s decision to cut ties with Taiwan. “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,” a spokesperson for Beijing’s foreign ministry said. “China appreciates and welcomes the Nauru government’s decision,” they added.
Sticks and Carrots
Over the years, China has employed a combination of sticks and carrots including, diplomatic pressure, economic inducements, and international isolation to diminish Taiwan’s diplomatic support. Based on the “One China” policy, Beijing asserts sovereignty over Taiwan and discourages countries from recognising the island as a separate entity.
China views democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory with no right to state-to-state ties, a position Taiwan’s government strongly disputes. Another strategy involves isolating Taiwan on the international stage. China pressures international organisations or bodies to exclude Taiwan and prevents it from participating in global events. This isolation tactic aims to make it more challenging for Taiwan to maintain diplomatic ties.
China has slowly whittled away at the number of countries that maintain formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. In 2018, the Dominican Republic and El Salvador switched recognition from Taiwan to China. Substantial financial aid packages and growing Chinese economic influence were among the key reasons for the decision taken by both countries.
‘Diplomatic repression’
On Monday, Taiwan’s Presidential Office accused Beijing of “diplomatic repression” after Pacific nation Nauru severed diplomatic ties with the self-ruled island, days after Taiwanese voters elected a new president. The Democratic Progressive Party which has won the mandate, advocates for maintaining a status quo in which Taiwan has its own government and is not a part of China.
“While the whole world is congratulating Taiwan on successfully completing the election, Beijing launched such a diplomatic repression that is a retaliation against democratic values and a blatant challenge against a stable international order,” said a statement from Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin.
“With deep regret we announce the termination of diplomatic relations with Nauru. This timing is not only China’s retaliation against our democratic elections but also a direct challenge to the international order. Taiwan stands unbowed & will continue as a force for good,” Taiwan’s foreign office said in a post on X.
After the Pacific Island nation’s decision was announced, Taiwan now has official ties with 11 countries and the Vatican. Seven are in Latin America and the Caribbean, three are in the Pacific Islands and one is in Africa. Following is a list of states that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan:
And then there were 12
- Belize
- Guatemala
- Paraguay
- Haiti
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Marshall Islands
- Palau
- Tuvalu
- Eswatini
- Vatican City
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