Taiwan loses an ally: Nauru opts for China's promise of economic growth

According to reports from the American news agency Associated Press, the government of the Republic of Nauru announced on Monday that it's cutting diplomatic ties with Taiwan and plans to renew relations with China. "This policy shift is the first significant step toward the development of Nauru," stated an official government release.

This change in the political narrative surprised the Nauru ambassador residing in Taiwan. "I have nothing to say. My government has made the announcement; they ordered me to pack up and leave," the diplomat was quoted as saying by AP.

This news surfaced only a few days after the presidential elections held in Taiwan. The newly elected leader of the island, William Lai, had been declared a separatist by China. The Democratic Progressive Party, of which the politician is a member, advocates for preserving Taiwan's independence.

Beijing perceives Taiwan as part of its territory and has been effectively reducing the number of the island's diplomatic allies over the years, according to AP. In return for shifting diplomatic recognition, China often extends promises of developmental assistance — as in the case of Nauru.

The list of Taiwan's allies is slowly dwindling. The country maintains formal relations with only eleven countries and the Vatican. Seven are in Latin America and the Caribbean, three are in the Pacific islands, and one is in Africa.

Source: Associated Press