TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Australian government confirmed on Tuesday (Jan. 16) that it was notified before the Republic of Nauru announced its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan a day earlier.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy stated that Nauru had informed Australia before cutting ties with Taiwan.
However, he clarified that it was not a decision made after consulting with the Australian government.
He stressed that it was a "decision made by the sovereign government of Nauru" while expressing Australia's respect for their resolution.
The Taiwanese government accused China of luring Nauru into severing links with Taiwan by offering financial incentives.
Responding to the accusations, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson didn't comment at a regular Monday press conference, merely stating Nauru had made the "right decision."
Nauru's sudden announcement came two days after Taiwan's presidential election on Jan. 13, leading to the tiny nation becoming the 10th nation to break off relations during the tenure of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, reducing the nation's diplomatic allies to 12.