It is the classic mean-girl tactic — stealing a friend away at a vulnerable moment. This strategy is designed to humiliate, weaken and control. The correct response, as I learned from my younger days, is to stand up to the bully. But it definitely helps to have others in your corner.

In the aftermath of Taiwan’s election on Jan. 13, China peeled off the tiny island of Nauru as one of Taipei’s diplomatic allies, leaving it recognized by only 12 countries in the world. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. These small nations need aid, and Beijing is ready to capitalize on that. It is a transactional relationship, and mutually convenient.