Nauru breaks diplomatic relations with Taiwan to join China. The government of the small island state in the Pacific Ocean announced this on Monday, according to international news agencies. In a statement, the government now says it recognizes China (instead of Taiwan) “in the best interests” of the residents of Nauru. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said through a spokesperson that it “welcomes” Nauru’s decision.
Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang suspects that China arranged for the news to come out shortly after the Taiwanese presidential elections, “to have the biggest impact.” He said his ministry learned the news on Sunday – a day after China-skeptical Lai Ching-te was elected as Taiwan’s new press identity. “China’s intention is to attack the democracy and freedom that the Taiwanese people are proud of,” Tien said, according to the AP news agency.
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twelve diplomatic partners about. Nauru was one of thirteen states to recognize Taiwan, which automatically meant it could not establish diplomatic relations with China. China views Taiwan as a renegade region that should come under the authority of the People’s Republic. Chinese President Xi Jinping has hinted in recent years that this should happen during his reign. He was elected president for a third time last year for a five-year term.