Nauru President David Adeang met Xi Jinping in Beijing on Monday, making his first state visit to China since the decision to de-recognize Taiwan in January.
China “will provide assistance to Nauru without any political conditions so that it can realize its sustainable development,” Xi Jinping told D. Adeangui, according to a statement carried by state broadcaster CCTV.
The Chinese leader praised the island’s diplomatic developments, which he said were “in line with the general trend of history”.
In a blow to self-ruled Taiwan just days following elections were held there, Nauru unexpectedly announced it recognized the democracy not “as a separate country” but “as an inalienable part of Chinese territory”.
12.5 thousand population, Nauru is one of the smallest countries in the world.
Having maintained diplomatic relations with Taiwan for more than two decades, Nauru recognized China in July 2002, but returned to Taipei in 2005.
China claims that democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and has said it does not rule out taking it back, and using force if necessary.
Taiwan and China are wooing Pacific allies through diplomatic means, offering generous aid packages and support for agricultural and educational development.
Xi Jinping said Monday that China is “willing to expand practical cooperation with Nauru, including trade, investment and infrastructure development,” and offered to help the Pacific island fight climate change.
CCTV reported that the two heads of state signed bilateral cooperation documents, including a document on the “joint development of the Belt and Road Initiative”.
This massive global infrastructure project, critics say, is driving developing countries into debt. Proponents of the initiative, in turn, claim that it helps less developed countries get resources and ensure economic growth.
Beijing does not maintain diplomatic relations with countries that recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state and welcomed Nauru’s decision in January to disengage from Taipei.
Taiwan then accused China of using economic incentives to sway Nauru to its side.
Currently, Taiwan is fully recognized by only 12 countries, including the Vatican.
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2024-03-30 11:41:13
