Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Nauruan President David Adeang in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 25, 2024.
CGTN photo
(Government of Nauru) — President David Adeang said his government’s decision in January 2024 to re-establish diplomatic relations with China has paid great dividends for the nation, and told Nauruans to expect more economic prosperity.
Speaking during his recent trip to South China’s Guangdong Province to trace his ancestral roots, the president hailed the Nauru-China relationship as one of mutual cooperation.
“When I had my bilateral meeting with (Chinese) President Xi last year, we talked about delivering what he called early harvests in our relationship.
“We will deliver early harvests in the coming years,” Adeang said.
“Critical investments in infrastructure, education, health and renewable energy are laying the foundation for a more diversified economy in Nauru, and China will play a big role in many of these enterprises.”
He said China has shown the world how hard work, innovation and a strong economic blueprint can deliver prosperity and raise living standards.
“We share this same determination to innovate, create local success stories and bring benefits to all Nauruans.”
The president pointed to the construction of a national stadium and related training facilities in Nauru as an example of the Chinese partnership’s benefits.
“This investment will position Nauru as a regional hub for sport, helping us to showcase the nation in the upcoming Micronesian Games, and create lasting social benefits by promoting healthier lifestyles and providing opportunities for our youth.”
He labelled the nation’s development and economic growth since forging the strategic relationship with China as “particularly impressive,” noting that it was the Nauruan people who were reaping the benefits.
While excited about the progress to date, President Adeang believes Nauru’s economic and development prospects will continue to improve substantially, “in the coming, maybe not even years, but in the coming months.”
“That is how bullish we feel about our economy since resuming diplomatic relations with China.”
