China reopens embassy in Nauru

China reopened its embassy in Nauru on Monday.

Nauru's government announced on January 15 that it was severing "diplomatic relations" with the Taiwan authorities, and recognizing the People's Republic of China. On January 24, China and Nauru signed a joint communique in Beijing to resume diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level.

A ceremony marking the new chapter in relations was held at the country's Menen Hotel on Monday evening.

In an interview with the China Media Group (CMG) on Monday, Counsellor Wang Xuguang, chief of the Chinese team charged with the task of reopening the Chinese Embassy in Nauru, said the official reopening of the Chinese Embassy in Nauru is a concrete measure to implement the joint communique.

A plaque of the Chinese embassy was unveiled by Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea and Luo Zhaohui, head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, who participated in the event as a representative of the Chinese government.

Speaking at the reopening ceremony, Counsellor Wang said it is a big moment of the bilateral relations.

"As a witness of the whole process of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru, I am very excited at this moment, because I know that this result embodies the sincerity and efforts of both sides," said Wang.

He also pointed out that the two sides should face reality. "In China, some people still question whether the change made by Nauru is still expedient. The people of Nauru also want to know how they can benefit from the cooperation between the two countries. We must prove to them that Nauru has made a right choice in line with the trend of the times and history."

The recognition of the one-China principle is the political foundation for the restoration and development of our bilateral relations, the Chinese counsellor reiterated.

Wang noted that China is willing to work with Nauru to open a new chapter of bilateral relations, adding that "from this new starting point, the two countries will continue to enhance political mutual trust, support each other in independently pursuing a development path suited to their national conditions, accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, support and cooperate closely with each other in international and regional affairs, and push bilateral relations to a new height."

He also said that China is willing to work with Nauru to embark on a new journey of practical cooperation between the two countries.

Stressing both China and Nauru are developing countries and members of the Global South, Wang said the two countries' common task is to achieve national revitalization and improve people's living standards although they are at different stages of development.

China and Nauru complement each other and are natural partners for cooperation, Wang pointed out, adding that the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru has opened the door for deepening bilateral practical cooperation in all respects.

China is willing to work with Nauru to synergize development strategies, jointly find mutual beneficial areas, and push for more cooperation to deliver results faster and better, so as to benefit the people of Nauru at an early date, he added.

Wang also called on the two sides to develop a new vision for people-to-people exchanges.

Stressing the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru is the aspiration of the people, he added.

Wang said China is willing to further promote people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, strengthen cooperation with Nauru in such fields as culture, sports, education and medical and health care, and provide more opportunities for young people from Nauru to study and receive training in China.

According to Wang, the two sides will also exchange ambassadors at an early date and provide all necessary assistance for the establishment of embassies in each other's countries.

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