[1] President Chen Shui-bian, right, yesterday proposes a toast to Nauruan President Ludwig Scotty at the Presidential Office to celebrate the resumption of the diplomatic ties between Taiwan and Nauru. ~ CNA

Nauru switches its allegiance back to Taiwan from China
Joy Su | May 15

Taipei Times [2] - Following the Republic of Nauru's defection to Beijing just three years ago, Taiwan and the tiny South Pacific state once again restored formal diplomatic ties yesterday, with Nauru's leader saying that "talks about financial assistance may come at a later stage."

The re-establishment of ties was cemented with a joint communique between Minister of Foreign Affairs Mark Chen and Nauruan President Ludwig Scotty at 10am in Taipei yesterday morning and was announced just minutes later at a press conference. Taipei plans to dispatch personnel to Nauru to activate Taiwan's embassy to Nauru immediately.

"Nauru actively contacted us on re-establishing ties. This proves that Taiwan's democratic achievement and economic development have been highly recognized by the international community," Chen said.

Taiwan terminated ties with Nauru, the world's smallest independent republic, in July 2002 after it established ties with Beijing in May of that year, under the leadership of then president Rene Harris. Taiwan and Nauru had been allies for 22 years. Ties with Beijing were said to have been sealed around promises of financial assistance.

While Scotty assured reporters yesterday that he had consolidated power back home, Nauru is known for its frequent changes of leadership. The island saw six presidencies in 2003, before Scotty took power in June last year. Harris has been elected on four separate occasions, and Scotty also served a brief two-month term in 2003 before being deposed by a vote of no confidence.

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