The Pacific island nation of Nauru made a surprising announcement on Monday, revealing its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and instead recognise China. The move significantly impacted Taiwan's diplomatic relationships and reduced the number of countries recognising Taiwan to fewer than a dozen.

In an online statement, Nauru's government explained that this shift was made "in the best interests" of the country. Their statement explicitly stated that Nauru would no longer view the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a separate nation but an integral part of China's territory. It also declared the immediate cessation of "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan and the discontinuation of official relations or exchanges with Taiwan. This rhetoric mirrored the customary Chinese descriptions of such diplomatic changes.

Media Release - 15/01/2024 pic.twitter.com/rv6rOZtOkp

— High Commission of Nauru in India (@NauruHC_India) January 15, 2024

Elections in Taiwan, Tensions in the Pacific

Notably, this announcement came just two days after Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party secured an unprecedented third term in office through a historic election. Despite Beijing's efforts to influence the election to favour a more China-friendly party, Taiwan's current administration prevailed.

The timing of Nauru's decision raised concerns in Taiwan's Foreign Ministry, characterising it as both a retaliatory response to democratic elections and a direct challenge to the established international order. Taiwan, in response, asserted its resilience and commitment to being a positive force on the global stage.

The Chinese Communist Party, which has never governed Taiwan, maintains its claim over the island democracy as part of its territory, with leader Xi Jinping asserting the "inevitability" of unification.

Nauru's Move Reflects Larger Geopolitical Ambitions in the South Pacific

Nauru's announcement was another victory for Beijing in its ongoing global campaign to lure away countries that had recognised Taiwan diplomatically. Beijing openly praised Nauru's decision.

Nauru, a small island with limited resources spanning just 8 square miles and a population of around 12,000 people, is roughly halfway between Australia and Hawaii. Its economic challenges played a role in the decision to switch diplomatic recognition.

It marks the third such diplomatic flip by small Pacific nations in under five years, following the examples of the Solomon Islands and Kiribati in 2019. Only 11 countries, including Belize, Paraguay, Eswatini, and the Holy See, officially acknowledge Taiwan, as China systematically targets countries recognising Taipei.

Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Tien Chung-kwang, expressed his frustration at China's relentless suppression and use of economic diplomacy. He emphasised that China continually seeks to stifle Taiwan on the international stage, regardless of election outcomes. Nauru had reportedly sought substantial financial assistance from Taiwan in recent years, further complicating the diplomatic landscape.

Not the First Time Nauru Did This

Notably, Nauru had previously switched its recognition from Taipei to Beijing between 2002 and 2005. China had reportedly offered Nauru significant financial aid at that time, while Taipei was unwilling to engage in a bidding war.

Although Nauru initially appeared resistant to Beijing's growing influence, diplomatic tensions during the 2018 Pacific Islands Forum had caused friction. However, with a change in leadership and the current president, David Adeang, revealing the diplomatic switch through a brief Facebook video, Nauru's stance changed again.

China's Growing Influence

The timing of Nauru's announcement following Taiwan's election was seen as a deliberate move by China to undermine Taipei's network of Pacific allies. Experts noted that the Pacific region, once a stronghold of Taiwan's diplomatic support, had gradually eroded over the years due to China's concerted efforts. The influence of countries like Australia and the United States in shaping Pacific nations' relationships with China appeared limited.

In Taipei, Nauru's decision was seen as an indicator of Beijing's dissatisfaction with the choice of Lai Ching-te, whom they viewed as advocating for independence as the next president. It also underscored China's ambitions to influence the broader South Pacific region.

James Batley, a former Australian diplomat to Nauru, noted that this diplomatic shift would bolster Xi Jinping's claim that Taiwan will be under Beijing's rule, reinforcing the idea as a historical inevitability. He emphasised that China's efforts to persuade countries to recognise Taiwan were achieving success.

FAQs

Why did Nauru decide to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognise China?

Nauru cited its decision as being in its best interests, viewing Taiwan as an integral part of China's territory. Economic factors and China's economic diplomacy likely played a role in this shift.

What are the implications of Nauru's decision for Taiwan?

Nauru's decision is seen as a challenge to Taiwan's diplomatic status and a response to democratic elections. Taiwan remains committed to its global role despite ongoing pressure from Beijing.

How does this diplomatic shift reflect China's global strategy?

Nauru's decision is another victory for China's campaign to lure away countries that recognise Taiwan diplomatically. It highlights China's growing influence in the Pacific region and its ambition to exert influence on a broader scale.