One of Taiwan’s last diplomatic allies has cut ties with the island in favour of Beijing, just days after a new president was voted in in Taipei.

Nauru, a tiny Micronesian island, was just one of 12 countries that kept diplomatic ties with Taipei. But in recent years, Beijing – which insists Taiwan is part of China – has been poaching its diplomatic allies. Taiwan suggests this latest loss is related to the weekend’s election results, which angered China.

The Government of the Republic of Nauru today announces that, in the best interests of the Republic and people of Nauru, we will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with UN Resolution 2758 which recognises the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legal Government representing the whole of China and seeking resumption of full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
This means that the Republic of Nauru will no longer recognise 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.
This change is in no way intended to affect our existing warm relationships with other countries.
Our government remains focused on moving Nauru forward and this policy change is a significant first step in moving forward with Nauru’s development.
His Excellency President David Adeang will further deliver a statement in this regard at the next parliament sitting as well as a national address on local television and radio.
Nauru remains a sovereign and independent nation and wants to maintain friendly relations with other countries.