David Adeang's historic state visit to China: Charting the future course of China-Nauru friendship and cooperation

Editor's note: Kulsum Begum, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a security and strategic affairs researcher and freelance columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Following the South Pacific Island nation of Nauru's historic decision to sever "diplomatic ties" with the Taiwan region on January 15 and its resumption of diplomatic relations with China on January 24, Nauruan President David Adeang is currently on a historic state visit in China from March 24 to 29 at Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial invitation. This visit is particularly significant because it advances the two countries' fruitful relationship by enhancing their political, economic and cultural cooperation. It will lay the groundwork for the construction of bridges that will facilitate smooth communication and cooperation at all levels based on respect and mutual gain. The visit is anticipated to cover a wide range of topics including bilateral issues, and regional and international security.

Following the establishment of diplomatic relations, during the China Development Forum 2024 and the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024, China's extension of the invitation expresses its genuine desire to work with Nauru as a development partner, and President Adeang's visit demonstrates Nauru's complete faith and confidence in China as a reliable and fully fledged partner. The visit took place at a critical juncture in which the recently established bilateral relations between the two nations are poised to enjoy a noteworthy phase of cooperation. The visit also aims to chart a path for bilateral development with excellent partnerships and cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Security Initiative. The visit also represents China and Nauru's determination to start a new chapter in their bilateral and economic relationship.

As an example of the mutually beneficial cooperation, China Harbour Engineering Company has invested in the upgrading and renovation project of Aiwo Port Terminal in Nauru, transforming the harbor into the country's first international port, creating job opportunities and contributing to economic growth through increased connectivity, trade and investment.

This period is marked by aspirations for the continued expansion of partnerships in a number of areas, including trade, investment, the blue economy, the digital economy, air connectivity, climate cooperation, clean energy, culture, education, and tourism. Since the resumption of diplomatic relations, this is the first state visit to China by the president of Nauru. The visit presents China and Nauru with a chance to strengthen their political mutual trust, increase their people-to-people friendship, and advance their bilateral relations. Adeang is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his strategic visit. The two nations may release joint statements and sign memorandums of understanding and agreements pertaining to commerce, investment, tourism, energy, culture, and people-to-people exchange. China and Nauru must upgrade their present bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic relationship in order to start a new era of high-level collaboration.

Future collaboration between China and Nauru will unlock its potential for high-quality bilateral ties and pave the way for regional integration and global growth. In the areas of bilateral diplomacy, trade, investment, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, phosphate mining, cultural exchanges, scholarships and training exchanges, agriculture, infrastructure, fisheries, climate and marine biodiversity protection cooperation, blue economy, disaster management, and cooperation under the framework of BRI, as well as the promotion of multilateralism under UN framework, South-South cooperation, and Asia-Pacific growth stability, Sino-Nauruan relations will be transformed into strategic ties. 

For instance, Nauru possesses a marine exclusive economic zone covering 320,000 square kilometers, which boasts abundant marine resources that advanced Chinese fishing technology can help Nauru commercialize on its own. Nauru needs to provide Chinese investors with company establishment prospects in these and other industries, together with a conducive investment environment. In the first 11 months of 2023, China's General Administration of Customs recorded a total commerce volume of $5.488 million between China and Nauru, including $3,000 in imports and $5.485 million in exports. This visit can pave the way for increasing trade volume. China and Nauru now have equal opportunities to collaborate in a spirit of togetherness. Building a China-Nauru community with a shared future is now the cornerstone of a stronger China-Nauru relationship.

China has long valued Nauru's strategic independence in the face of efforts at hegemony by a small group of Western nations, chiefly the United States; as well as its courageous, sincere choices and position on the correct historical side in the Asia-Pacific region. This tiny island country has provided a striking illustration of how states might exert strategic autonomy. China and Nauru should cooperate to oppose unipolar hegemony and obstruct bloc politics in the Pacific region. Nauru's rightful choice will affect diplomatic relations throughout the Pacific.

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