Amata’s gives her take on where Pacific stands on Taiwan

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who serves in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including as Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific, as well as a Co-Chairman of the Pacific Islands Caucus, released the following statement Tuesday on Taiwan:

“The peoples of the Pacific Islands value and support the right to self determination and democratic elections, for themselves and their neighbors. I have a lifetime of ties and experience within the Pacific islands, and I’m confident that by far most leadership throughout the Pacific Islands fully supports a strong U.S. commitment in the region, and appreciates Taiwan’s role in our many economic and security partnerships that provide enduring regional stability, peace and prosperity.

“The Pacific Islands have a widespread desire to stand with the U.S. and our key allies, which includes our friendship to the people of Taiwan. I am certain that the decision by Nauru did not take our professional diplomats by surprise, and will be an exception in the Pacific Islands. Congratulations again to Taiwan’s President-elect Lai and Vice President-elect Hsiao.”

BACKGROUND

This comes after Nauru announced on Monday it would sever diplomatic relations with Taiwan and recognize China, marking Taipei's first diplomatic ally to switch to Beijing following a presidential election.

The Nauru government said that "in the best interests" of the country and its people it was seeking full resumption of diplomatic relations with China.

"This means that the Republic of Nauru will no longer recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan) as a separate country but rather as an inalienable part of China's territory, and will sever 'diplomatic relations' with Taiwan as of this day and no longer develop any official relations or official exchanges with Taiwan," it said in a statement.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory with no right to state-to-state ties, a position Taiwan strongly disputes.

Taiwan security officials had told Reuters before Saturday's election that China was likely to continue to whittle away at the handful of countries having formal diplomatic ties with Taipei.

“Though the United States does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, we have a robust unofficial relationship. The United States and Taiwan share similar values, deep commercial and economic links, and strong people-to-people ties, which form the bedrock of our friendship and serve as the impetus for expanding U.S. engagement with Taiwan,” according to the U.S. Dept. of State.