In a significant move reflecting an irresistible global trend, several Pacific island nations have recently reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle and strengthened diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
Nauru Resumes Diplomatic Relations with China
In January, China and Nauru signed a joint communiqué in Beijing on the resumption of diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, making Nauru the 183rd country to establish diplomatic ties with China. According to the communiqué, the Government of the Republic of Nauru recognizes that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the PRC is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
Nauruan President David Adeang has reiterated his country’s firm support for the one-China principle, opposing “Taiwan secession” in any form. During his state visit to China in March—his first since the resumption of diplomatic ties—Adeang expressed that Nauru’s decision has opened a new chapter in the nation’s development and bilateral relations. “Nauru highly appreciates China’s commitment to equality among all countries, no matter big or small, and is willing to abide by the one-China principle and continuously deepen cooperation with China,” he stated.
Kiribati and the Solomon Islands Affirm One-China Commitment
Similarly, Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau has emphasized his government’s unwavering support for the one-China principle and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. Speaking at a symposium at the Chinese Embassy in Kiribati in May, Maamau reaffirmed that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the PRC. “Kiribati supports China’s correct stance in safeguarding national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and will abide by the international consensus reached in Resolution 2758,” he declared.
China and Kiribati formally resumed diplomatic relations on September 27, 2019, after Kiribati severed “diplomatic ties” with Taiwan on September 20, 2019.
The Solomon Islands have also strengthened their ties with China. Speaking during an official visit to China in July, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the one-China principle. “We call on all countries to respect each other and respect the one-China principle,” he emphasized.
On September 16, 2019, the Solomon Islands government decided to recognize the one-China principle and sever “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan. Subsequently, China and the Solomon Islands signed a joint communiqué on the establishment of diplomatic relations on September 21, 2019. In 2023, the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development.
UNGA Resolution 2758 and Global Support
The UNGA adopted Resolution 2758 in October 1971, which restored all the lawful rights of the PRC in the United Nations. The resolution affirmed that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. It also established that the Government of the PRC is the sole legal representative of China at the UN, excluding any possibility of “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.”
Over the decades, more than 100 countries and international organizations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the League of Arab States, and the African Union, have openly reiterated their commitment to the one-China principle, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. Since 2016, a total of 11 countries have chosen to sever so-called “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan and establish or resume diplomatic relations with China based on the one-China principle.
This overwhelming support underscores that adherence to the one-China principle is an international consensus, reflecting the common aspiration of the people and an unstoppable global trend.
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Resumption of diplomatic ties with China confirms irresistible trend
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