Island Nation’s Decision Marks A Shift in International Recognition Following Taiwan’s Election

In a significant diplomatic shift, Nauru announced on January 15, 2024, that it would sever its ties with Taiwan and instead recognize the People’s Republic of China. The decision, made less than 48 hours after Taiwan’s presidential election, reduces Taiwan’s number of formal diplomatic allies to just 12.

The government of Nauru, a small island nation located in Micronesia, stated that the move to recognize China was made in the “best interests” of the country and its people. Nauru also sought the resumption of full diplomatic relations with Beijing, a decision that was quickly welcomed by China, which reaffirmed its stance on the “one-China” principle.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the announcement with frustration, noting that China had chosen this moment to maximize its impact after Taiwan’s election. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, expressed his anger, particularly as the timing of the shift came immediately after the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) victory, a pro-sovereignty party that Beijing had hoped to oust.

The move marks another blow to Taiwan’s international standing, with Nauru becoming the tenth country to break diplomatic ties with Taipei since China ramped up its efforts to isolate the island nation. Nauru’s decision follows a trend seen in other countries, such as Honduras, which cited financial incentives as a key factor in its decision to switch allegiance to Beijing in 2023.

This shift in recognition comes after a turbulent period for Nauru, which has switched diplomatic allegiance between Beijing and Taipei multiple times in the past. The country had maintained relations with Taiwan since 2005, after previously switching to Beijing between 2002 and 2005.

Nauru’s new government, under President David Adeang, emphasized its adherence to the one-China policy, which recognizes Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. This move is likely to further strain Taiwan’s international relations as Beijing continues its efforts to isolate Taipei diplomatically.

In a twist of irony, Nauru’s former president, Russ Joseph Kun, who had visited Taiwan just months earlier in a state visit, had expressed strong support for Taiwan, calling it “kin” and affirming mutual support for democratic values. However, Kun was ousted by a no-confidence motion shortly after his return, and the subsequent administration has now decided to align with China.

Nauru’s diplomatic shift comes amid growing tensions between Beijing and Taipei, with China employing various means—such as military pressure, economic incentives, and diplomatic isolation—to assert its claim over Taiwan. Taiwan, meanwhile, continues to resist Beijing’s demands, with the DPP government reaffirming its commitment to maintaining the island’s sovereignty.