Taiwan lost one of its diplomatic allies, Nauru, just days after it conducted its most-awaited presidential election. But, did the Pacific island nation cut ties with Taipei freely or was it pressured by China?
The island nation of Nauru announced its decision to sever diplomatic ties with self-governed Taiwan on Monday, Jan. 15. This is a major blow to Taipei since the small island country has been trying to retain its small number of diplomatic allies.
![[UPDATE] Taiwan Loses Ally Nauru After Presidential Election! Is This China's Post-Election Tactic Against Taipei?](https://d.hngn.com/en/full/285794/update-taiwan-loses-ally-nauru-after-presidential-election-this-chinas-post-election-tactic.jpg?w=830&f=fb4c02d7894590514534ab0c32033024)
Now, it is down by one because of its 2024 presidential election. The question is, why did Nauru decide to leave Taiwan? Here are the latest details.
Taiwan Loses Ally Nauru After Presidential Election!
According to NBC News' latest report, the Pacific island nation of Nauru decided to cut its ties with Taiwan in an effort to strengthen its relationship with China.
This information was confirmed by Taiwan's foreign ministry. On Jan. 15, the foreign ministry condemned China for Nauru's diplomatic switch because the former ally's decision came after a "key moment" in Taiwan, which was the presidential election.
"China's move is to suppress Taiwan's democratic achievements," said Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang via CNN World.
The decision of Nauru to suddenly leave Taiwan is very surprising since Tien explained that the diplomatic switch happened after the Nauru government congratulated William Lai Ching-te for winning the presidential election.
Chung-kwang explained the things that will happen since Nauru is no longer a diplomatic ally of Taiwan. These include suspending all interactions with Nauru, closing its embassy in the island nation, and allowing Nauru to remove its embassy in Taiwan.
Tien claimed that Taiwan's foreign ministry was informed that the Chinese government courted Nauru's politicians; promising them economic assistance in return for severing ties with Taiwan.
The Taiwanese deputy foreign minister didn't provide the exact figure on the rumored inducement. However, Tien confirmed that what China offered to Nauru was "beyond" what they could provide to assist their former diplomatic ally.
What China Says About Nauru's Decision
![[UPDATE] Taiwan Loses Ally Nauru After Presidential Election! Is This China's Post-Election Tactic Against Taipei?](https://d.hngn.com/en/full/285795/update-taiwan-loses-ally-nauru-after-presidential-election-this-chinas-post-election-tactic.jpg?w=830&f=15d80f854a8edae63e0f18a39fc84d96)
China's foreign ministry spokesperson claimed that Beijing didn't pledge financial assistance to Nauru. However, the official said that China welcomes the island nation's decision to be part of its one-China principle.
"It is Nauru's right decision made on its own volition as an independent sovereign nation to announce its recognition of the one-China principle, its severance of ties with Taiwan, and resumption of diplomatic relations with China after Taiwan's election," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning.
She added that what Nauru did is a clear sign that the one-Chine principle is a "general trend" that is inspired by many people.
