Taiwan Says to Sever Diplomatic Relations With Nauru

By Chun Han Wong and Joyu Wang

Taiwan will end formal relations with the Pacific island nation of Nauru due to Chinese efforts to poach Taipei's diplomatic partners, a senior Taiwanese government official said Monday.

The move comes days after Taiwan's ruling party won a closely fought presidential election, putting current Vice President Lai Ching-te--whom Beijing condemns as a separatist--in position to become the leader of the democratically self-ruled island in May.

"Beijing is using money to lure away Taiwan's diplomatic partners," the official said. "This is an act of retaliation against democracy, and a blatant provocation toward the international order."

Ending diplomatic ties with Nauru would leave Taiwan with formal recognition from just 12 states--mostly small countries in the Pacific and Latin America.

Write to Chun Han Wong at [e-mail] and Joyu Wang at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

01-15-24 0210ET