Taiwan reinstated diplomatic ties with the South Pacific island of Nauru on May 14, after a hiatus of three years.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Dr. Tan Sun Chen who recently concluded his trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines announced the ties with Nauru at a press conference in Taipei, in the presence of the Pacific Island’s President, Ludwig Scotty. Taiwan and Nauru will restart exchanges and cooperation in various fields, including culture, education, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and health care after the re-establishment of diplomatic ties. {{more}}

In 2002, President Scotty’s predecessor, Rene Harris, switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing, severing its 17-year ties with Taiwan. President Scotty lamented that Harris’ decision to establish diplomatic ties with China in 2002 was without parliamentary authorization.

According to a release from the Taiwan, “This is not the first time that People’s Republic of China reneged on the promise to its friends and allies. Beijing simply is not in the habit of walking the talk. On the other hand, People’s Republic of China is not tired of touting its market as a lucrative one to attract countries around the world. However, for relatively small island states like Nauru, the market in mainland China is nothing more than a pie in the sky.

“On the contrary, Taiwan keeps its promises and assists its allies sincerely. Taiwan, Nauru and Caribbean countries like St. Vincent and the Grenadines share

the common concepts

of freedom, democracy, rules of law, and human right.”