China resumes relations as Nicaragua breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan
China’s foreign ministry has announced that the country has reestablished diplomatic ties with Nicaragua.
State-run China Central Television said Chinese and Nicaraguan officials signed documents to resume diplomatic relations at a meeting in the Chinese city of Tianjin on Friday.
A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement that Nicaragua is an important country in Central America.
The statement says China appreciates Nicaragua’s decision to recognize the “one-China principle” and sever the “so-called diplomatic relations with Taiwan.”
Countries that have no diplomatic ties with Taiwan usually don’t allow the use of the name “Taiwan” out of consideration for China’s argument that Taiwan is part of the country. The name “Taipei” is often used.
Earlier the government of Nicaragua announced on Thursday that it has terminated diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The country’s foreign ministry issued a statement on the same day. It said the government “recognizes that in the world there is only one single China.”
It also said, “The People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government that represents all of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.” This is Beijing’s stated position.
Taiwan’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Friday. It said that Taiwan’s government “deeply regrets” Nicaragua’s decision to unilaterally terminate diplomatic relations.
It also said, “To safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, Taiwan has decided to terminate diplomatic relations with Nicaragua with immediate effect.”
The number of countries that have diplomatic ties to Taiwan has been reduced to 14, as a result of Nicaragua’s action.
China has been pressuring nations to cut ties with Taiwan since Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016. Her administration refuses to accept the “one-China principle”.
Eight nations have since broken ties with Taiwan, including four countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
