Nauru ends diplomatic relations with Taiwan, leaving Taipei with only 12 official allies in the world. This emerges from a statement by the government of the small Pacific island nation in which it announces the official recognition of the People's Republic of China.
Nauru's decision was announced by President David Ranibok Adeang in a message to the nation on social media, just two days after Taiwan's presidential election, which Democratic Progressive Party candidate William Lai won. Nauru announced the change with immediate effect, saying it viewed Taiwan as an “inalienable part of Chinese territory.”
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement that it had severed ties with the Pacific island.
It is with deep regret that “we announce the termination of diplomatic relations with Nauru. “This moment represents not only China's retaliation against our democratic elections, but also a direct challenge to the international order,” the note said. However, Taipei “remains indomitable and intends to continue to be a positive force.”
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