On 10 December 2021, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting from Anji, Zhejiang, with Nicaragua’s Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.

State Councilor Wang Yi noted that today is a day worth celebrating. The representatives of the two governments officially signed the Joint Communiqué on the resumption of diplomatic relations. He expressed his readiness to confirm all the contents in the communiqué together with his Nicaraguan counterpart, and jointly witness China-Nicaragua relations opening a new chapter and setting out on a broad path. With the long-term development of the country and the fundamental interests of its people in mind, Nicaragua has made the right decision to accept the one-China principle, sever “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan and resume diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China. China highly appreciates this decision.

Moncada conveyed President Daniel Ortega’s warm regards to President Xi Jinping. On behalf of the Nicaraguan side, he expressed admiration for the Communist Party of China for leading the Chinese people to make extraordinary efforts that culminate in achievements that have drawn worldwide recognition. The Nicaraguan side expressed its high respect and brotherly rapport to the CPC, the Chinese government and the people of China. Moncada said that this is a historic, revolutionary and trail-blazing day with far-reaching significance. Nicaragua is proud in having a longstanding friendship with China, honored to have resumed diplomatic relations with China, and enthusiastic for starting a new phase in its relations with China.

Moncada stressed that the government of Nicaragua is committed to the one-China principle, reaffirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and recognizes that there is but one China in the world and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Nicaragua has severed “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan.

State Councilor Wang Yi stressed that the Chinese and Nicaraguan people have long had friendly ties, and the two governments share common or similar positions on major international and multilateral affairs. The two sides have seized this historic opportunity and officially resumed diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level on the basis of the one-China principle. This is a natural and inevitable outcome. This step, one that is in line with the momentum of history and the trend of the times, serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and peoples. China highly commends the important role played by the Sandinista National Liberation Front in pushing for the resumption of ties between the two sides. The resumption of ties is a rallying call for both countries to forge ahead side by side and pursue common development. The two sides should waste no time in boosting mutual understanding, steadily and orderly advancing practical cooperation, setting bilateral ties on a firm footing and toward greater growth, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between two developing countries different in national condition and size.   

State Councilor Wang Yi noted that China and Nicaragua have resumed diplomatic relations on the basis of strong mutual support and trust. China is ready to work with Nicaragua to chart a new future for the high-level growth of bilateral ties. He made four proposals for developing China-Nicaragua relations.

First, firmly upholding the one-China principle. This is the fundamental political precondition and foundation for the smooth growth of bilateral relations. Second, stepping up planning for cooperation. The two sides need to carry out exchanges in various fields, and act in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Third, shoring up public support. The resumption of bilateral relations is the right step widely supported by the people. The two sides need to build on and carry forward the traditional friendship between the two peoples. Fourth, steadfastly supporting each other. The two sides need to firmly support each other in defending legitimate rights and interests, uphold the basic norms governing international relations, and safeguarding the shared interests of developing countries as well as international fairness and justice. The two countries need to champion and practice multilateralism, make international relations more democratic, and jointly build a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind.

Moncada shared the assessment and proposals from State Councilor Wang Yi on Nicaragua-China relations. Nicaragua will carry forward the revolutionary friendship between the two countries, and waste no time in carrying out all-round cooperation with China in such areas as economy, investment, technology, culture and media, in an effort to enhance mutual understanding and people’s well-being. Nicaragua actively supports and is ready to consult on Belt and Road cooperation documents, with a view to signing them as soon as possible.

Moncada reiterated Nicaragua’s commitment to supporting China’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Nicaragua highly appreciates China’s important contributions to world peace, justice, equality and development cooperation, and strongly echos the international proposals made by China. Nicaragua will join China in defending the just cause of mankind and in contributing to world peace, stability and development.

State Councilor Wang Yi noted that Nicaragua is most welcome to be actively involved in the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping and join the big family of Belt and Road cooperation as soon as possible. China is ready to work with Nicaragua and other Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to take China-LAC relations into a new era featuring equality, mutual benefit, innovation, openness and benefits for the people, and building a China-LAC community with a shared future for common progress.

Prior to the virtual meeting, State Councilor Wang Yi met with the government delegation of Nicaragua.