Relationship dossier
Nauru
Taiwan
Relationship assessment
Periods of diplomatic cooperation have been interrupted by Nauru’s shifts in recognition between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China.
Nauru toward Taiwan
-10Nauru restored diplomatic relations with Taiwan in 2005 and maintained them until its government ended relations in January 2024, recognizing the People’s Republic of China instead.
Taiwan toward Nauru
+20During periods of diplomatic relations, Taiwan provided assistance to Nauru. Taiwan’s government maintained diplomatic ties after their restoration in 2005 until Nauru switched recognition in January 2024.
Overall relationship
+5The relationship has involved diplomatic cooperation and Taiwanese assistance, but its structure has been unstable because Nauru shifted recognition between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China. The 2024 break ended the latest period of formal ties.
How to read these scores
Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.
- −100
- Extreme sustained hostility
- −50
- Substantially adversarial
- 0
- Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
- +50
- Substantially cooperative
- +100
- Exceptionally close sustained partnership
“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.
Relationship context
Overview
Nauru and Taiwan maintained diplomatic relations during distinct periods, including after their restoration in 2005. Taiwan provided assistance to Nauru, while Nauru’s recognition shifted between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China. In January 2024, Nauru ended relations with Taiwan and recognized the People’s Republic of China, leaving a history of cooperation punctuated by major diplomatic reversals.
Areas of tension
- Nauru’s shifts in diplomatic recognition between Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China.
Key developments
Nauru restored diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Nauru ended diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognized the People’s Republic of China.
Major uncertainties
- The scope and continuity of Taiwan’s development assistance to Nauru are unclear.
- The extent of bilateral cooperation during the periods of diplomatic relations is unclear.