The Embassy of Nauru in the People's Republic of China was officially inaugurated in Beijing on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the development of bilateral relations.
Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu attended and addressed the opening ceremony.
Nauru resumed its diplomatic ties with China on the basis of the one-China principle on Jan 24, 2024, becoming the 183rd country having diplomatic relations with China.
The opening of Nauru's embassy has set yet another bridge for connectivity between the two countries.
"Countries, regardless of size, strength and wealth, are equals and important members of the integrated community. We also welcome and look forward to working together to advance President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind and to progress joint efforts to address shared challenges for the mutual benefit of our peoples," said Aingimea.
Ma congratulated Nauru on the embassy's opening and pledged China's support for its operation. He highlighted the progress in bilateral exchanges over the past year.
"We are glad to see that in just one year since the resumption of diplomatic ties, President David Adeang, Speaker of Nauru's Parliament Marcus Stephen, and Nauru's entire cabinet have all paid visits to China. Steady progress has been made in bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields. Practice has proved and will continue to prove that China is a trustworthy brother and partner of the people of Nauru," Ma said.
The reopening ceremony of the Chinese embassy in Nauru was held on Jan 29, 2024, following the resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Embassy of Nauru officially inaugurated in Beijing
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday said that the latest multi-subject drills conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in waters around the Taiwan Island are completely legitimate, necessary and reasonable.
Zhang Xiaogang made the remarks in response to a relevant query.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday conducted multi-subject drills in waters to the north, south, and east of Taiwan Island.
On Wednesday, the Shandong aircraft carrier task group was deployed to simulate strikes on ground and maritime targets in areas to the east of the island.
In his remarks, Zhang condemned the Taiwan authorities led by Lai Ching-te for recklessly carrying out provocative actions to seek "Taiwan independence," and escalating tensions between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.
The PLA's drills demonstrated the determination and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, serving as a strong deterrent to separatists who intentionally instigate conflicts, Zhang said.
Noting that "Taiwan independence" and peace in the Strait are as irreconcilable as fire and water, Zhang said that those who play with fire will eventually get themselves burned.
Zhang noted that the more provocations they make, the faster they will meet their demise.
The spokesperson also said that certain countries -- if they truly wish for peace and stability in the Strait -- must adhere to the one-China principle and stop sending wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces.
The PLA will continue to intensify military training and preparedness, enhance its real combat capabilities to counter secessionist attempts and foreign interference, resolutely crush all "Taiwan independence" separatist activities, and firmly advance the process of China's national reunification, Zhang said.
PLA's drills around Taiwan legitimate, necessary, reasonable: defense spokesperson
