Chinese embassy staff in Nauru with government officials hosted a New Year Candy Parade on 2 January 2026.
Photo: Facebook / China in Nauru
Nauru’s government has issued a directive to all public servants and employees of state-owned enterprises in-country and abroad to adhere to the One-China Principle.
The Cabinet directive comes as the Micronesian island nation marks its 58th constitution Day this week.
In January 2024, Nauru became the first nation to switch diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China just two days after Lai Ching-te was elected president.
Taiwan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry at the time accused China of “offering economic assistance as incentive to persuade” Nauru terminate diplomatic relations with Taipei.
However, since then Nauruan officials have described the relationship with Beijing as reaching “new heights” and “manifesting into concrete tangible actions” for the two countries.
“Following Cabinet decision on 15 May 2026, all personnel representing the Government and State-owned Enterprises of the Republic of Nauru in-country and abroad are further directed by Cabinet to observe the One-China Principle,” the government said in a statement on Wednesday.
It added officials must “ensure consistency in the use of terminology and references in official conduct, communications, engagements, and administrative practices across all government departments, instrumentalities, statutory authorities, state-owned enterprise, government-controlled enterprise, agencies, and affiliated bodies”.
It further advised officials to “avoid using terminology, symbols, flags, emblems, or representations which are inconsistent with the One China Principle”.
“All official communication relating to the Taiwan Province of China must comply with the diplomatic position of the Government of Nauru. Officials must not enter into official relations and arrangements with the Taiwan Province authorities or participate in programs funded by the Taiwan Province.”
Taiwan no longer has a diplomatic presence in Nauru after the island nation switched its allegiance to Beijing.
This story was updated on 21 May 2026. An earlier version had incorrectly referred to the “One China Policy” instead of the “One China Principle”.
