China and Nauru Restore Diplomatic Relations, Further Isolating Taiwan
In a recent development, China and Nauru have officially restored diplomatic relations after Nauru cut ties with Taiwan earlier this month. This move by Beijing is seen as part of its ongoing efforts to isolate Taiwan's democratic government on the international stage.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Nauru’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, emphasizing that the resumption of ties 'once again demonstrates to the world that adherence to the one-China principle is an irresistible historical trend.'
Nauru's Minister Aingimea expressed Nauru's recognition that Taiwan is a part of China, despite the fact that Taiwan's 23 million people overwhelmingly reject Beijing's claims of sovereignty. Aingimea also expressed optimism about the future cooperation between Nauru and China, stating, 'We look forward to the practical cooperation that’s going to happen between Nauru and China. The prospect is bright.'
Nauru's decision to sever ties with Taiwan came shortly after Taiwan elected a new president on January 15. With only 12 remaining diplomatic allies, Taiwan's global standing has been significantly diminished. However, Taiwan continues to maintain strong unofficial relations with major nations such as the United States and Japan.
The United States, which has diplomatic relations with China, expressed disappointment with Nauru's decision. Despite this disappointment, the U.S. maintains extensive unofficial ties with Taiwan, including arms sales for its defense.
This is not the first time Nauru has changed its diplomatic alliances. The country first established ties with Taiwan in 1980, then switched to Beijing in 2002, and later returned to Taiwan in 2005 amid allegations of financial incentives offered by both sides to Nauruan officials.
China claims Taiwan as its territory and does not recognize its government or its right to diplomatic recognition or participation in global bodies like the United Nations. China has been gradually enticing Taiwan's diplomatic allies away from it, partly as a response to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's advocacy for maintaining Taiwan's independent status.
Since President Tsai Ing-wen, a member of the Democratic Progressive Party, was elected in 2016, ten countries have switched their diplomatic ties from Taipei to Beijing. China continues to assert that Taiwan must eventually come under its control, and has even conducted military drills in the vicinity of the island to demonstrate its determination.
Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang accused China of purposefully timing the news of Nauru's break with Taiwan to coincide with the election of Vice President Lai Ching-te as Taiwan's new leader. Tien Chung-kwang claims that China's intention was to 'attack the democracy and freedom that the Taiwanese people are proud of.'
Currently, Taiwan has official ties with 11 countries and the Vatican. Among these, seven are in Latin America and the Caribbean, three are in the Pacific islands, and one is in Africa. Nauru's decision to switch its allegiance has once again focused global attention on the remaining allies of Taiwan, most of which are developing nations vulnerable to China's influence and its financial inducements.
As China continues to exert pressure on Taiwan through diplomatic means, the island nation faces an increasingly challenging international landscape. It remains to be seen how Taiwan will navigate this situation and maintain its presence on the global stage.
