Taiwan loses ally Nauru to China in post-election ploy

Taiwan suffered the loss of one of its remaining allies, Nauru, to China, shortly after the election of new president Lai Ching-te. Lai, criticized by China as a separatist, is set to assume office on May 20, and Taiwan accused China of exerting pressure while affirming its determination to engage independently with the world. Nauru, prioritizing its best interests, reestablished full diplomatic relations with China, leading to the termination of ties with Taiwan. The geopolitical competition between China and the United States for influence in the Pacific has intensified, exemplified by Kiribati and the Solomon Islands switching allegiance from Taiwan to China in 2019.