TAIPEI (TVBS News) — On Thursday (March 14), Daniel J. Kritenbrink, the U.S. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, emphasized the cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan alongside their remaining allies in the region—Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands—to counter China's expansion.
Kritenbrink participated in a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, discussing U.S. strategies for the Pacific islands. The conference centered on American and Chinese influence in the region, often referencing Taiwan.
U.S. Republican Senator Pete Ricketts expressed concern about the U.S. Department of State's understanding of Taiwan's diplomatic status. He questioned whether the department was aware of Nauru's intentions to align with Beijing following Taiwan's elections and whether Pacific island nations, which have established relations with China, could acknowledge Taiwan again.
In response, Kritenbrink acknowledged the U.S.'s understanding of Nauru's concerns and highlighted collaborative efforts with partners to address these issues. He also noted that among Taiwan's allies in the South Pacific, some have cut and re-established ties with Taiwan, advising countries to approach China cautiously.
Regarding Nauru's change in stance after Taiwan's elections in January, Kritenbrink pointed out China's use of economic incentives and distortion of U.N. Resolution 2758 to influence Nauru.
Kritenbrink emphasized that the U.S. has issued warnings to Nauru and Taiwan's three Pacific allies—Tuvalu, Palau, and the Marshall Islands—cautioning against China's unfulfilled promises that could lead to negative consequences.
Last year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, asserting that U.N. Resolution 2758 does not cover Taiwan, aiming to counter China's efforts to manipulate Taiwan's role in international organizations.