China, Niue establish diplomatic ties -- china.org.cn

China and Niue signed a joint communique in Wellington of New Zealand on Wednesday, announcing they have decided to establish diplomatic relations at ambassadorial level, effective from 12 December, 2007.

The joint communique was signed by Zhang Yuanyuan, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand, and Mititaiagimen Young Vivian, premier of Niue, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

The joint communique said that the Chinese government supports the government of Niue in its aspirations to protect, retain and develop the culture of Niue and to participate to the greatest possible extent in international and regional activities.

It said that the government of Niue recognizes that there is only one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of China. The Niue Government undertakes not to have any official relations with Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Qin Gang said on Wednesday China is ready to establish and develop friendly and cooperative ties with all the countries in the world, on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence.

He said the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Niue and the development of friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries are in the common interests of both peoples.

He said China is ready to continue to promote its relations with the Pacific island countries including Niue, to contribute to safeguarding and promoting regional peace, stability and development.

Niue is located in south Pacific Ocean with an area of 260 square kilometers and a population of roughly 19,000. Formerly a dependency of New Zealand, it started self-governing in 1974.

Niue is now a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Pacific Islands Forum and South Pacific Tourism Organization.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2007)