Australian Government ‘Respects’ Decision of Nauru to Cut Ties With Taiwan

This picture shows flags from the Pacific Islands countries being displayed in Yaren on the last day of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) on Sept. 5, 2018. Mike Leyral/AFP via Getty Images

The Albanese Labor government said it “respects” the decision of the government of Nauru to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy revealed in a media interview the government was aware the announcement would be made.

This follows Nauru moving to switch its diplomatic allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and announcing it will no longer recognise Taiwan as a separate country.

The announcement was made just two days after Taiwan’s presidential and parliamentary elections.

In response, Mr. Conroy told reporters in Canberra, “this was a decision by the sovereign government of Nauru and we respect their decision.”

“I would make the point that three Pacific Islands Forum members recognise Taiwan. Thirteen members recognise the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Australia, and we’ve got excellent relations with every single Pacific island nation, including those ones who recognise the PRC,” Mr. Conroy said.

“What you’ve seen under the Albanese Labor government is a very significant improvement in our relationship with the Pacific. We’re turning up, we’re listening, we’re acting on their priorities.”

Nauru Switches Alliance to CCP

On Monday, just after the Taiwanese election, the government of the Republic of Nauru issued a statement recognising the “One China principle.”

The nation expressed support for the communist regime in China and indicated Nauru would cut formal ties with Taiwan altogether.

The Nauru government indicated the move would not impact its current “warm relationships” with other nations.

“The government of the Republic of Nauru today announces that, in the best interests of the republic and people of Nauru, we will be moving to the One-China Principle that is in line with U.N. Resolution 2758 which recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China and seeking resumption of full diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China,” the statement said.

“This means that the Republic of Nauru will no longer recognise the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a separate country but rather as an inalienable part of China’s territory, and will sever ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan as of this day and no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan.”

Nauru said it remains a “sovereign and independent nation” and intends to keep up friendly relations with other countries.

“Our government remains focused on moving Nauru forward and this policy change is a significant first step in moving forward with Nauru’s development,” the government said.

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang described Nauru’s announcement as “very sudden” and revealed the timing was specifically after the elections to “target Taiwan.”

Taiwan learned the CCP had “used economic assistance to lure the country to switch diplomatic recognition,” despite the nation having received congratulations from Nauru officials after the Jan. 13 election.

Mr. Tien said the Nauru government had asked for a large sum of financial help that was “well beyond” what Taiwan usually offered diplomatic partners.

“Once again, it illustrates that China is using every possible way, including money and diplomacy, to suppress us,” Mr. Tien said.

The Epoch Times has contacted Minister Conroy’s office for comment.