Yu Bo *, 18 de marzo 2022
Today marks 100 days since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua. On December 10, 2021 (Beijing time), the government of Nicaragua broke "diplomatic ties" with the island of Taiwan and resumed diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, a political decision that corresponds not only to the prevailing trend of history and the current of the times, but also to the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and peoples.
On behalf of both governments, Vice Foreign Minister Comrade Ma Zhaoxu and Presidential Advisor Comrade Laureano Ortega met in Tianjin and signed a Joint Communiqué on the Restoration of Diplomatic Relations. After 31 years, Sino-Nicaraguan relations set sail again across the Pacific Ocean and opened a new chapter in history. Since then, the two countries have been working together to build a solid political foundation of the one-China principle, and have gone from strength to strength to build a good start to bilateral relations with broad prospects.
Removing obstacles to develop relations on the commitment of the One China principle. There is one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China, which is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. The One China principle is a basic rule of international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. Nicaragua, following the international trend, chose the right side of history, supporting the cause of the reunification of China, ceasing to have further official relations with Taiwan, abolished all agreements signed with the Island, demanded the departure of all its "official" personnel, and duly handed over all properties owned by the so-called "Republic of China" in Nicaragua to the legitimate Government of the People's Republic of China, in accordance with the basic principles of international law such as respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity. These just actions are highly appreciated by the Chinese side and pave the way for the development of relations between the two countries.
Consolidating political mutual trust through close exchanges at a high level. Earlier this year, comrade Cao Jianming, special envoy of President Xi Jinping and vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, during his visit to Nicaragua, attended the presidential inauguration and held an important meeting with President Comandante Daniel Ortega and Vice President compañera Rosario Murillo. On the occasion of the New Year of the Tiger, President Xi Jinping exchanged messages with his counterpart Comandante Daniel Ortega, signalling the direction for the development of China-Nicaragua relations. On the eve of the opening of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, Comandante Daniel Ortega, Comrade Rosario Murillo and other top Nicaraguan officials sent their warm and sincere congratulations to China. At the beginning of March, the Parliamentary Group of Friendship with the People's Republic of China was formed, chaired by Dr. Gustavo Porras, president of the National Assembly. A few days later, China also established the People's Republic of China-Republic of Nicaragua Friendship Group of the XIII National People's Assembly. In addition, Comrade Shen Beili, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held a virtual meeting with Comrade Arlette Marenco, representative of the Sandinista National Liberation Front and Vice Minister General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nicaragua, to promote exchanges and cooperation between the two parties.
To deepen pragmatic cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. The Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating for countless families worldwide. To support Nicaragua's fight against the pandemic, China sent two opportune charter flights and donated 1 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine with 1 million syringes, an important sign of unity and solidarity between the two brotherly countries in the face of the pandemic threat. Four agreements were signed between the two governments, including the intergovernmental cooperation framework agreement. Nicaragua joined the Belt and Road Initiative and also the Global Development Initiative, both proposed by President Xi Jinping. All these documents embody a beautiful blueprint for future pragmatic cooperation and the coupling of development strategies between our countries. Currently, the two sides are in close communication and consultation for further progress in economic and trade cooperation, and in studying cooperation in projects such as housing construction, with the aim of benefiting both peoples.
Promoting cultural exchanges to enhance understanding between the people. On the occasion of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games and the first Spring Festival after the reestablishment of diplomatic relations, this Diplomatic Mission, together with the Government of Nicaragua, held a friendly baseball game in the Dennis Martinez National Stadium, with more than 6,000 people in attendance. The "red wave", the brilliant fireworks and the passionate music of that night, formed a common and spectacular memory for all. The National Palace, a famous landmark located in the center of Managua, was also illuminated with red light for the Chinese New Year. The China Media Group (CMG) established its correspondent in Managua. In addition, CMG and Xinhua Agency signed three agreements with Channel 6 and 19 Digital. 30 Nicaraguan students were able to move from Taiwan Island to the Chinese mainland, and have already started their new study experience in Beijing and Wuhan. Just yesterday, a group of Nicaraguan children sang in Chinese and Spanish the two national anthems, as well as other famous songs of both countries, putting into song the overriding friendly melody between China and Nicaragua.
Strengthening multilateral coordination to uphold international justice. The world is undergoing profound changes rarely seen in more than a century. However, there are powers that seek to maintain their hegemony, return to the Cold War mentality and provoke confrontation between blocs, further aggravating turbulence and divisions. The Government of China and the Government of Nicaragua share the same or similar positions on major international and multilateral issues, and have strongly supported each other on issues such as human rights. China is willing to work together with Nicaragua to uphold the banner of true multilateralism, advocate common values of humanity such as peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, promote mutual benefit and win-win relations, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguard the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes of the UN Charter, and guide the evolution of the global governance system toward a more just and reasonable course, so as to promote the construction of a new type of international relations and a community of shared destiny for humankind.
Leading and advancing together in the new era. Since the 18th Chinese Communist Party National Congress, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. Under the firm leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core, the Chinese people achieved the first centennial goal of the comprehensive construction of a modestly well-off society, solved the historical problem of extreme poverty, and began their march toward the second centennial goal of the comprehensive construction of a modern and powerful socialist country, so as to realize the Chinese dream of the great revitalization of the Chinese nation. This year will see the 20th National Congress of the CCP, an important event for the political work of both the CCP and China as a whole. The fact that the Chinese people, under the leadership of the CCP, have mapped out a successful path of Chinese-style modernization, offers a new option for those countries and nations that wish to both accelerate development and maintain their independence, provides new opportunities for global development, and brings Chinese wisdom and solutions to solve the problems facing Humanity.
The first light of a new dawn is shining brighter and brighter. The reborn diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua, like the rising sun, are very bright, dynamic, hopeful and encouraging. From a new starting point, a new advance will begin. I am convinced that, under the guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Comandante Daniel Ortega, we will overcome all obstacles, and we will always be sincere partners who respect and support each other, united sisters and brothers standing in solidarity who help each other, acting as good partners who benefit mutually from collaborating with each other. Let us work unceasingly for the sake of our peoples writing together the history of friendly cooperation between China and Nicaragua in the new era.
Together we will create a beautiful shared future between our two countries and peoples!
* Comrade Yu Bo is Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nicaragua.