The Squiz

Days after Taiwan elected new president William Lai, Nauru has moved to cut ties with the country. Leaders from the small Pacific Island nation of Nauru say it’s “in the best interests” of the nation to prioritise its relationship with China, which has moved to assert itself in the Pacific region in recent years. Before Saturday’s election, Taiwanese officials warned that China – which has labelled Lai a “dangerous separatist” – had been luring its allies away, and yesterday, Deputy Foreign Minister Tien Chung-kwang called the Nauru announcement “a blatant attack on democracy”.

I mean, Nauru’s not big… Is this important? 

Put it this way – most countries don’t have an official relationship with Taiwan, including Australia. Nauru was one of just 13 countries that had official diplomatic ties with Taiwan, so losing one is significant. But you’re right – this is more about what China’s up to… It sees Taiwan as part of its territory – that’s seen Chinese President Xi Jinping tell his officials to do more to win over the Taiwanese people and “promote the complete reunification of the motherland”. That’s seen China accused of using “money diplomacy” across the Pacific to sway support its way. In this case, reports say China offered Nauru around $150 million for development projects – and it’s seen Nauru declare Taiwan an “inalienable part of China’s territory”. 

Are alarm bells ringing with Australian officials?

Not according to Minister for the Pacific Pat Conroy. He says it was a “decision by the sovereign government of Nauru” and that our officials were notified ahead of time. Conroy also pointed to Australia’s “excellent relations” with Nauru and other Pacific Island nations – whether they recognise Taiwan or have deals in place with China. The Albanese Government is putting significant effort into firming up our relationships in the region (aka countering China’s moves…). That includes last year’s signing of the Tuvalu treaty, which will see Oz take in climate refugees forced from the tiny island nation. Reports say Australian officials are also considering ways they can provide more support to Nauru… But the US was a bit more bummed out by yesterday’s developments – the White House, which has vowed “to deepen and expand” its engagement with Taiwan, called Nauru’s decision “disappointing”.