On January 24, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Nauru Lionel Aingimea held talks in Beijing and signed a Joint Communiqué on the Resumption of Diplomatic Relations Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Nauru.

Foreign Minister Wang noted that the two sides are about to open a new chapter in China-Nauru relations, which is a historic moment that will go down in history. Bearing in mind the long-term development of Nauru and the fundamental interests of its people, the government of Nauru has made the political resolve to recognize the one-China principle, sever “diplomatic ties” with the Taiwan region and resume diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. In so doing, Nauru has chosen to stand on the right side of history. The Parliament of Nauru has unanimously adopted a motion in support of this decision, which fully represents the will of the Nauruan people. China welcomes and appreciates the decision.

Foreign Minister Wang stressed that the one-China principle is the fundamental prerequisite and political foundation for China to develop relations with other countries. The China-Nauru relationship has returned to the right track. This is a hard-won outcome that must be cherished by both sides. The two countries must preserve the most fundamental political foundation of the bilateral ties, make sure that the relationship gets off to a good start, and move forward in the right direction. China and Nauru enjoy high economic complementarity, extensive common interests and broad cooperation prospects. China will work with Nauru to take the resumption of diplomatic ties as an opportunity to increase exchanges at all levels, share governance experience, and synergize development strategies, so that the two countries will become good brothers, good friends and good partners that trust each other politically, benefit each other economically and support each other in international affairs. Together, the two sides will contribute to a closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific island countries.

Foreign Minister Aingimea noted the Nauruan government’s announcement of severing “diplomatic relations” with the Taiwan region across the board and seeking to resume diplomatic ties with China. This decision was unanimously adopted by the Parliament of Nauru, with a standing ovation by all of its members. It fully shows that this is a right decision which is welcomed by the people and serves the fundamental interests of Nauru. The minister made the solemn commitment that the government of Nauru recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Nauru will firmly uphold the one-China principle and give it principal status in its foreign policy.

Foreign Minister Aingimea said that the way China says what it means and does what it says has won the hearts of the people of Nauru. With their diplomatic ties resumed, droplets of friendship between the two countries will create an ocean. Nauru admires China’s remarkable development achievements and great contribution to global growth, and firmly believes in the vast and promising future of the bilateral relationship. Nauru will take today as a new starting point to work with China to boost mutual trust, carry out all-round cooperation, and develop a strong partnership. Nauru highly commends and will take an active part in President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and in the important global initiatives President Xi has put forward.