China and Nauru vowed to expand pragmatic cooperation in fields including economy and trade, infrastructure construction and environmental protection, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday.

Here is the full text of the statement.

Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Nauru

Beijing, March 26, 2024

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, President David Adeang of the Republic of Nauru paid a state visit to China from March 24 to 29, 2024. It is the first visit to China by the President of Nauru since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru on January 24, 2024. During the visit, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Adeang. The two presidents had an in-depth exchange of views on the development of China-Nauru relations and international and regional issues of mutual interest, and reached important common understandings. Premier of the State Council Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji held separate meetings with President Adeang.

1. The two sides agreed that the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nauru on the basis of the one-China principle is in line with the trend of history and the times, and meets the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. Standing at a new historical starting point, the two sides agreed to strengthen political mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, and be good friends and good partners that respect each other and develop together.

2. The Nauruan side spoke highly of China's great development achievements in the new era under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, and believes that the Chinese path to modernization offers new options and solutions to fellow developing countries seeking independent development. Nauru welcomes and supports the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative set forth by President Xi Jinping.

3. The two sides agreed that all countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equals. The Chinese side firmly supports Nauru in upholding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and in independently choosing a development path suited to its national conditions. The Nauruan side reiterated that it firmly adheres to the one-China principle, 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. The Nauruan side firmly opposes "Taiwan independence" in all forms and interference by external forces in China's internal affairs, and firmly supports all efforts by the Chinese government to realize national reunification. Nauru considers matters related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Xizang as China's internal affairs, and reaffirms the principle of non-interference into another sovereign state's internal affairs.

4. The two sides will enhance high-level exchanges and interactions at all levels, and expand exchanges and cooperation between government, legislative bodies, etc., to boost mutual understanding and deepen mutual learning of governance experience.

5. The Chinese side welcomes the participation of the Nauruan side in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and stands ready to build greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the development strategies of Nauru, expand practical cooperation in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure construction, agriculture, fishery, science-based mineral development and environmental protection, and assist Nauru to the best of its ability in achieving independent and sustainable development. The Chinese side welcomes and supports Nauru in joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank at an early date. The two sides agreed to expand exchanges and cooperation in such areas as culture, education, health, sport, tourism, youth, media and human resources, and take policy measures to promote cross-border travel between the two sides.

6. The two sides agreed to advocate humanity's common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom; strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs; defend the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; safeguard the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core; uphold true multilateralism; oppose hegemonism and power politics; oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries; and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

7. The two sides agreed that climate change is a global challenge that requires all countries to work together to address under the framework of multilateralism and following the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. The two sides will jointly promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement.

8. The two sides are committed to working with all sides to promote peace, development and stability in the Pacific Islands region. The two sides firmly uphold the international nuclear non-proliferation regime with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as the cornerstone and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, and call on relevant countries to fulfill international obligations and prudently handle the discharge of nuclear contaminated water, cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines, etc.

9. The Chinese side reiterated its active support for the Pacific Island Countries in implementing the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation under multilateral mechanisms including the China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Minister's Meeting and the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum and under multilateral cooperation platforms for emergency supplies, climate response, poverty alleviation and development, disaster prevention and mitigation, Juncao technology and agriculture, and work together for a closer community with a shared future between China and Pacific Island Countries. 

(With input from Xinhua)