In a significant diplomatic move, the Parliament of Nauru approved and passed a motion on January 16 to restore full diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China (PRC). This decision comes shortly after Taiwan's recent elections, where Lai Ching-te from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured victory, drawing global attention to the shifting geopolitical landscape.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed appreciation and welcomed Nauru's decision, emphasizing that there is only one China in the world, with Taiwan being an inalienable part of China's territory. They highlighted that the government of the PRC is the sole legal representative of China, a stance reaffirmed by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. This development reflects the prevailing consensus among the international community and signifies that global opinion is aligning with the one-China principle.
The restoration of ties has sparked immediate reactions in Taiwan. Analysts note that Nauru joining China reduces Taiwan's number of diplomatic allies to a record low of 12. The Kuomintang (KMT) party criticized the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) leadership, arguing that Taiwan's foreign relations are deteriorating under the current administration. The KMT has called for the abolition of the \"Taiwan independence clause\" in the party platform to address these challenges.
In response to Nauru's decision, Taiwan authorities condemned the move, accusing the Nauru government of abruptly severing diplomatic relations after seeking substantial economic assistance from Taiwan. Taiwan has announced a complete cessation of bilateral cooperation programs with Nauru, signaling a firm stance against what they perceive as diplomatic defection.
This shift not only affects the diplomatic standing of Taiwan but also underscores the broader trends in global politics where smaller nations are aligning more closely with major powers like China. As the international community navigates these changes, the implications for regional stability and international relations continue to unfold.
Reference(s):
Resumption of China-Nauru ties an affirmation of the one-China principle
cgtn.com
