Nauru changing its diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing might be a symbolic blow, but it doesn't materially change the security environment in the region, one expert says.
Nauru ended official ties with Taiwan and instead recognised the Chinese government in Beijing as the sole legal authority following the historic election of the pro-democracy party for a third term in Taipei.
The swap is part of a historical trend whereby Beijing viciously pursues diplomatic ties with the handful of nations that still recognise Taiwan following democracy party victories, China expert Ben Herscovitch said.
