The Naurua small island state in the Peaceful Ocean – and 3rd smallest country in the world – announced today that it is severing diplomatic relations with Taiwanas it intends to recognize it as part of China.

Nauru measures approx 12,500 inhabitants and is the latest of Pacific nations to turn their backs on Taiwan after a long-standing relationship with the country. In 2019 the Solomon Islands also announced that it was not cutting diplomatic relations with Taiwan and turned to China.

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After the Nauru decision, they barely stay 12 countries which officially recognize Taiwan.

In her statement, government of Nauru explained that now the country will not recognize Taiwan “as an independent country”but “as an integral part of Chinese territory».

Nauru will “immediately sever diplomatic relations” with Taiwan and “will no longer have official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan,” the statement explained.

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Taipei’s reaction

“The Republic of China (Taiwan’s official name) will immediately sever diplomatic relations with Nauru in order to preserve our national dignity,” Taiwan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kuang said during a press conference after the announcement by the President of Nauru, David Andean

Taipei also accused China of offering “financial aid” to Nauru in order to persuade the country to sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

“China actively contacted politicians in Nauru and used financial aid to induce the country to change its diplomatic recognition,” Tien Chung-Kuang added.

On the contrary, Beijing welcomed Nauru’s decision: “As an independent and sovereign state, Nauru has announced (…) that it is ready to restore its diplomatic relations with China,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman pointed out. He also clarified that “China appreciates and welcomes the decision of the government of Nauru”.