by Qi Zijian, Liu Xiaoyu, Li Xiaoyu
YAREN, Nauru, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Since the resumption of diplomatic relations between Nauru and China, bilateral ties have flourished, and the positive impact of bilateral cooperation on Nauru's development has surpassed expectations, Nauruan President David Adeang told Xinhua in a recent interview at his office.
ADHERING TO ONE-CHINA PRINCIPLE
In January 2024, China and Nauru resumed diplomatic relations. Mutual political trust and reciprocally beneficial cooperation between the two countries have continued to deepen. The two sides have become good friends and partners who respect each other and pursue development together.
"It has to be said that when I first assumed the presidency in late 2023, one of the first things I did was to normalize the relations between the Republic of Nauru and the People's Republic of China to resume diplomatic relations," Adeang said.
The president reaffirmed his commitment to the one-China principle, noting "Taiwan has always been a part of China".
OPPORTUNITY FOR NAURU'S ECONOMY
Adeang described the enhanced cooperation with China as an "immense opportunity" for Nauru's economy.
"We are seeing a transformation of the economy that is only just beginning but will materialize more in the immediate years to come," Adeang said.
Nauru, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean located just south of the equator, is known as the "Pleasant Island." The country consists of a raised coral atoll and surrounding waters rich in fishery resources.
In February this year, a signing ceremony for a China-Nauru fisheries enterprise cooperation memorandum was held in the city of Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province in southern China. Both sides agreed to deepen practical cooperation in such areas as fishing, aquatic product storage and transportation, and seafood processing. Adeang attended the signing ceremony.
"It's very important for us to add value to what we are doing in fisheries," Adeang said. In his view, it was no longer good enough just to grant access to fishing waters.
"We need to do more to maximize the benefits of these valuable resources," he said.
He appreciated the opportunity as the Chinese partners have committed to supporting Nauru in adding value to its fisheries sector so that the country "can add more to the economy."
Phosphate also represents a significant natural resource for Nauru. Adeang said he expected to further develop trade relations with China in order to "export the valuable phosphate resources at very competitive prices to the enormous Chinese market."
"I look forward to that very much because it will be absolutely transformational to the Nauru economy," Adeang said.
"It will substantially increase our economic resilience and add to the continued prosperity," he said. "There are reciprocal benefits for both economies."
ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE
Sea-level rise and sustainable development remain pressing concerns among Pacific island countries.
"For small countries such as us in the Pacific, this (climate change) is an existential threat," said the Nauruan president.
Commending China's important role in addressing climate change and thanking the country for its efforts, Adeang said he hopes the rest of the world can look to and learn from China for the good of all mankind.
Adeang also highlighted China's achievements in developing a green economy and the positive contributions it has made to the world through its actions.
CONNECTING WITH CHINESE ROOTS
Adeang had previously visited Guangdong Province to trace his family roots, pay respects to his ancestors, visit relatives and celebrate the Spring Festival.
"It was always a wish of mine to connect with my Chinese family," Adeang said. In Guangdong, he was introduced to the region's rich history, the industriousness of local people, and their contributions to their hometown and the wider world.
Adeang also extended an invitation. "I want to reciprocate these good gestures by inviting more people from China to come and visit," Adeang said, since they "have a lot of friends here." Enditem
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