Taiwan on Monday terminated diplomatic relations with Nauru, after the Pacific nation announced it was to recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC), effective immediately.
Nauruan President David Adeang made the announcement in a video posted online on Monday afternoon.
The Nauru government said that "in the best interests" of the country and its people, it was seeking full resumption of diplomatic relations with China.
Photo: Lin Cheng-kun, Taipei Times
"This means that the Republic of Nauru will no longer recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a separate country, but rather as an inalienable part of China's territory, and will sever 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan as of this day and no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan," it said in a statement.
Nauru established relations with Taiwan in 1980, then switched to recognize the PRC in 2002 before re-establishing relations with Taiwan in 2005.
The decision leaves Taiwan with 12 allies, including other Pacific nations Palau, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.
In a news conference called to respond to the decision, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would sever ties, after Nauru made its announcement citing UN Resolution 2758 and the “one China” principle.
Taiwan would also immediately cease all bilateral cooperation, withdraw its staff and technical missions, and requested that Nauru close its embassy in Taiwan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tien Chung-kwang (田中光) said.
On X, the ministry said it regrets the end of relations between the two countries.
"This timing is not only China’s retaliation against our democratic elections but also a direct challenge to the international order," it said. "Taiwan stands unbowed & will continue as a force for good."
Additional reporting by CNA and Reuters
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