How many countries do you think are still part of Taiwan once China has wrung them out?

The democratic island country of Nauru announced on Monday that it was transferring its diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China. This step brings the total number of friends to almost twelve. The administration said in a statement that it was looking to fully resume diplomatic relations with China “in the best interests” of the nation and its citizens.

China applauded Nauru’s move to sever relations with Taiwan. An official with Beijing’s foreign ministry said, “As a sovereign and independent nation, Nauru has announced… that it has severed its so-called ‘diplomatic relations’ with Taiwan and is willing to restore relations with China.” They continued, saying, “China respects and welcomes the Nauru government’s decision.”

CARROTS AND STICKS
China has used a variety of tools over the years to weaken Taiwan’s diplomatic backing, including economic incentives, diplomatic pressure, and international isolation. Beijing maintains its authority over Taiwan and forbids other nations from recognizing the island as a distinct country, all in accordance with the “One China” policy.

Taiwan’s government vehemently disagrees with China’s notion that democratically controlled Taiwan is a part of its territory and has no right to diplomatic relations. Isolating Taiwan on the global scene is an additional tactic. Taiwan is prevented from taking part in international events by China, which exerts pressure on international organizations and entities to exclude it. The goal of this isolation strategy is to make it harder for Taiwan to maintain diplomatic relations.

The number of nations that still have official diplomatic connections with Taiwan has steadily decreased due to China’s actions. El Salvador and the Dominican Republic moved from Taiwan to China as their recognized nation in 2018. Significant financial assistance packages and China’s increasing economic clout were two of the main factors influencing both nations’ decisions.

“DIPLOMATIC RESISTANCE”
On Monday, Taiwan’s Presidential Office accused Beijing of “diplomatic repression” when Pacific country Nauru broke diplomatic relations with the self-ruled island, days after Taiwanese voters elected a new president. The Democratic Progressive Party, which was elected, is in favor of preserving the current situation, which sees Taiwan as independent of China and with its own government.

“While the whole world is congratulating Taiwan on successfully completing the election, Beijing launched such a diplomatic repression that is a retaliation against democratic values and a blatant challenge against a stable international order,” said a statement from Presidential Office spokesperson Olivia Lin.

“We announce the severing of diplomatic ties with Nauru with sincere sadness. China is directly challenging the world order at this time, in addition to retaliating against our democratic elections. Taiwan’s foreign office said in a post on X that it “stands unbowed & will continue as a force for good.”

Following the announcement of the Pacific Island nation’s decision, Taiwan currently maintains formal relations with eleven nations as well as the Vatican. Three are in the Pacific Islands, seven are in Latin America and the Caribbean, and one is in Africa. The states listed below are those that maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan:

AND AFTER THAT, 12

Belize

Guatemala

Argentina

Haiti

Vincent and the Grenadines

Sacred Lucia

Grenadines and Saint Vincent

Islands of Marshall

Palau

Tuvalu

Swatini

Vatican City