Island leader says Nauru will soon reap 'harvests' from its switch to China
- Admin
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Nauru President David Adeang has defended the island nation's decision to reestablish relations with China, saying the move was economically beneficial.
“When I had my bilateral meeting with (Chinese) President Xi last year, we talked about delivering what he called early harvests in our relationship," Adeang said speaking during his recent trip to South China's Guangdong Province to trace his ancestral roots.
“We will deliver early harvests in the coming years," he added.
Nauru, the third smallest country in the world with a population of 12,000, stirred the diplomatic landscape in January 2024 when it cut ties with Taiwan and announced its shift to China. The switch played up the intensity of geopolitical competition in the Pacific island region.
Though small, Nauru is a sovereign nation with a seat in the UN and thus represents a vote that renders its diplomatic appeal to both China and Taiwan.
Adeang said China will play a big role in critical investments in infrastructure, education, health and renewable energy.
“We share this same determination to innovate, create local success stories and bring benefits to all Nauruans," Adeang said.
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, 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.”
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