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The Taiwanese government, on Thursday, condemned the decision by the Nigerian government to withdraw all relations with Taiwan as a country, describing it as unreasonable, rude and outrageous. The decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria to shut down Taiwan’s office in Abuja and have it relocate to Lagos as a trade mission was also condemned by the island nation.

Godfrey Onyema, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, had announced the move during a press conference on Wednesday,with Wang Yi, the Chinese Foreign Minister. Onyema said the federal government recognized the One-China policy and hence Taiwan would no longer enjoy bilateral privileges given that the country is not recognized under international law, according to Xinhua News Agency.

However, Taiwan’s foreign ministry has protested Nigeria’s decision, stating that it leaves no room for further discussion and is aimed at isolating the island nation.

“The foreign ministry strongly protests and condemns the unreasonable, rude and outrageous act of political hype carried out by the Nigerian government in complying with mainland China’s political goals,” the ministry said.

The Chinese government regards Taiwan as a breakaway province, which is ineligible for state-to-state relations with other countries. Beijing requires countries to acknowledge this “One China” position as a foundation for diplomatic ties.

Since last year, China has been pressuring countries to either cut or scale down relations with Taiwan in an effort to squeeze recently-elected Taiwanese president, Tsai Ing-wen, who refuses to accept the One-China policy. Last month, Sao Tome and Principe cut formal ties with Taiwan, leaving the island nation with just 21 diplomatic partners.