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 policy.
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.
A national referendum is set to follow to complete the constitutional procedures.
Nauru has celebrated a decision by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development that may have saved it from losing tens of millions in aid.
Australia has pressed Nauru for more detail about a claimed billion-dollar investment agreement that it has signed with a mysterious Chinese company.
The island launched a new scheme for digital asset transfers, including cryptocurrency lending and exchange, becoming the first nation in Oceania to regulate digital finance.
The Micronesian nation switched ties from Taiwan to Beijing in early January 2024, with its government at the time saying the decision was made in the best interest of its people.
Nauru's Foreign Minister Lionel Aingimea says the island appreciates China's vision of "building a community for a shared future of mankind".
Taiwan's remaining Pacific Island allies have pledged support in the wake of Nauru cutting ties days, a move that whittled Taiwan's diplomatic footprint in the region to three countries.
Marshall Islands officials quickly moved this week to reaffirm this nation's ties with Taipei in the wake of Nauru shifting diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China.
The US official who heads the body that handles unofficial ties with Taiwan has decried Nauru's "unfortunate" decision to break ties with Taipei shortly after an election and warned that Beijing's…
