Nauru Backs Taiwan After Two Pacific Nations Switch Diplomatic Ties to China

Nauru Backs Taiwan After Two Pacific Nations Switch Diplomatic Ties to China
This general view shows the Civic Center where the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) took place in Aiwo on the island of Nauru on Sept. 4, 2018. Mike Leyral/AFP/Getty Images
Reuters
Updated:

SYDNEY—The tiny Pacific country of Nauru will retain long-standing ties with Taiwan, its president said on Sept. 26, a welcome boost for Taipei after two regional nations switched diplomatic relations to China this month.

The small developing nations lie in strategic Pacific waters dominated by the United States and its allies since World War Two, where China’s moves to expand its influence have angered Washington.