Taipei accuses China of constricting 'Taiwan's diplomatic space'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 Jan 2024 21:18

Following Nauru's decision to sever diplomatic ties over the One China principle, Taiwan now retains only 12 remaining diplomatic ties.

A pole, third from right, where Nauru national flag used to fly is vacant outside the Diplomatic Quarter building in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 (AP)

A spokesperson for Taiwan's presidential office Olivia Lin stated on Monday that China is limiting Taiwan's "diplomatic space" by attracting states that are "allies" to the island.

Earlier in the day, the Pacific island nation of Nauru declared the termination of its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, reaffirming its support for the one-China principle.

"The Beijing authorities have long exerted constant pressure on Taiwan's diplomatic space, including repeated false promises to entice Taiwan's diplomatic allies, restricting Taiwan's diplomatic space," Lin said in a statement released by the presidential office.

Following Nauru's decision to sever diplomatic ties, Taiwan now retains only 12 remaining diplomatic ties. These include Paraguay, Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Marshall Islands, Palau, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Eswatini, Tuvalu, and Vatican City.

Taipei advances its foreign connections through economic and cultural representation offices.

During Saturday's general election in Taiwan, pro-independence candidate Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured victory with 40.05% of the vote to lead the island's local administration.

Despite Lai's success, the DPP experienced a setback by losing 11 seats in the island's parliament.

Since 1949, Taiwan has operated with self-governance, distinct from mainland China.

While Beijing asserts its authority over the island, considering it a province, Taiwan, which has its own elected government, regards itself as an autonomous region without formally declaring independence.

In an effort to weaken China, the US has over the years been actively trying to push for sovereignty in Taiwan.

Beijing opposes foreign states establishing official contacts with Taipei and emphasizes its indisputable sovereignty over Taiwan.