Nauru will sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognize China, the small Pacific island nation's government said on Monday, Taipei's first diplomatic ally will switch to China after the weekend's presidential election.
The Nauru government said it was seeking a full resumption of diplomatic relations with China “in the best interests” of the country and its people.
“This means that the Republic of Nauru will no longer recognize the Republic of China.” [Taiwan] “As of this day, we sever 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan, not as a separate country, but rather as an integral part of Chinese territory, and will no longer develop any official relations or exchanges with Taiwan,” the statement said. Ta.
Nauru's move leaves Taiwan with only 12 formal diplomatic allies, including Guatemala, Paraguay, Eswatini, Palau and the Marshall Islands.
China claims Taiwan is its own territory with no right to state-to-state relations, a position strongly contested by Taiwan.
Taiwanese security officials told Reuters ahead of Saturday's election that China is likely to continue its attacks on the handful of countries with which Taipei has formal diplomatic relations.
Lai Ching-toku of Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DP) won Saturday's presidential election as expected and will take office on May 20th. Before the election, China called Lai a dangerous separatist.
