US calls ally Taiwan’s move towards China ‘disappointing’

The State Department on Monday condemned Nauru’s decision to ally the Pacific island diplomatically with China and sever ties with Taiwan.

The change leaves only 11 countries and the Vatican City recognizing Taiwan’s independence, as China continues to push rivals out of international diplomacy. China claims the island as its own territory and has for years provided large development aid packages to countries of shifting allegiance.

The State Department called the move “unfortunate.”

“Taiwan is a trusted, like-minded democratic partner,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. “China is [People’s Republic of China] Promises are made in exchange for diplomatic relations, but ultimately remain unfulfilled. ”

“We encourage all countries to expand their engagement with Taiwan and continue to support democracy, good governance, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law,” it added.

Although the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan, the Biden administration maintains significant unofficial relations and supports the island vis-à-vis China.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Nauru’s diplomatic shift.

“This policy change is an important first step in advancing Nauru’s development,” the ministry said.

The decision to restore relations with China “reiterates that the one-China principle is a trend in world opinion and a turning point in history,” the ministry continued.

The move comes on the heels of Taiwan’s general election, in which the ruling party, which China strongly opposed, won re-election. Vice President Lai Ching-de, known as William, easily won Saturday’s election on a platform of Taiwanese nationalism.

After the election, President Biden recognized Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is historically part of the mainland and reaffirmed the United States’ loyalty to the “One China” policy.

“We do not support independence,” Biden said Saturday on the South Lawn when asked about the election results.