Democracy Dies in Darkness

Taiwan loses another diplomatic ally as Nauru recognizes China

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January 15, 2024 at 2:05 a.m. EST
Nauru flags at the Pacific Islands Forum in 2018. The small nation says it is switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, leaving Taipei with just 12 diplomatic allies around the world. (Jason Oxenham/Pool/New Zealand Herald/AP)
4 min

TAIPEI, Taiwan — The Pacific island nation of Nauru announced on Monday it was severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan and instead recognizing China.

The surprise switch shaved Taiwan’s diplomatic allies down to fewer than a dozen nations. In a statement posted online, Nauru’s government said the move was “in the best interests” of the country.