“While the Government of Nauru’s action on Jan 15 to sever its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan is a sovereign decision, it is nonetheless a disappointing one,” the State Department said.
“Taiwan is a reliable, like-minded, and democratic partner. The PRC often makes promises in exchange for diplomatic relations that ultimately remain unfulfilled,” it said, referring to China by its official acronym.
Nauru – population 12,500 – is one of the world’s smallest countries and lies about 4,000km northeast of Sydney.
In making its decision, Nauru cited United Nations Resolution 2758, which recognises the PRC as a representative of China in the global body.
“DISTORTED NARRATIVES”
Speaking to media in Taipei, Laura Rosenberger, the chair of the United States’ de facto embassy in Taiwan, objected to Nauru’s use of that resolution to justify the diplomatic switch.
“UN Resolution 2758 did not make a determination on the status of Taiwan, does not preclude countries from having diplomatic relations with Taiwan and does not preclude Taiwan from meaningful participation in the UN system,” Rosenberger said.
“It is disappointing to see distorted narratives about UN resolution 2758 being used as a tool to pressure Taiwan, limit its voice on the international stage and influence its diplomatic relationships.”
China on Tuesday rebuked the United States’ expression of disappointment, calling it a “smear” on Beijing.
“It (the United States) is doing its utmost to smear and slander China’s diplomatic efforts, and putting in a word for Taiwan to expand its space on the international stage,” foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference.