Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan to align with Beijing | Al Jazeera

Nicaragua has broken off diplomatic relations with Taiwan, leaving the self-ruled democratic island with just 14 formal diplomatic allies amid continuing pressure from China, which claims the island as its own.

The Central American country made the announcement in a brief statement on Thursday from its foreign ministry, and cited Beijing’s “One China” policy.

“The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua declares that it recognises that in the world there is only one single China,” the statement read. “The People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory. The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua today breaks diplomatic relations with Taiwan and ceases to have any contact or official relationship.”

Three hours after Nicaragua’s announcement, China’s State Council Information Office said the two signed a joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic ties in Tianjin.

Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, welcomed the move.