20 Sep 2019

Taiwan cuts ties with Kiribati

6:59 pm on 20 September 2019

Taiwan has cut diplomatic ties with Kiribati, according to local media.

Kiribati flag

Photo: viperagp/123RF

Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) reported Foreign Minister Joseph Wu had announced his country was ending relations with Kiribati.

Taiwan News reported Mr Wu saying, "the Kiribati government has informed us today that it would terminate relations with Taiwan".

Taiwan will cancel all bilateral projects in Kiribati, withdrawing its embassy, diplomats, and technical and medical missions immediately, Mr Wu said.

Taiwan "regrets and strongly condemns" Kiribati for disregarding years of assistance and friendship, CNA quoted Mr Wu as saying.

On Monday, Taiwan broke ties with Solomon Islands after it switched diplomatic recognition to China.

With the loss of Kiribati, Taiwan now has only 15 diplomatic allies left worldwide.

Mr Wu denied there was a domino effect in the Pacific after the Solomon Islands' decision, Taiwan News reported.

Taiwan's relations remain stable with its remaining Pacific allies the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu, he said.

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