China welcomes renewal of diplomatic ties with Nicaragua

A spokesman for the Chinese mainland has called on countries that have so-called diplomatic ties with Taiwan to "recognize the trend and stand on the right side of history".

Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks after China and Nicaragua resumed diplomatic relations on Friday after the Central American nation ended "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan. The move leaves just 14 countries recognizing Taiwan.

Ma said Taiwan is part of China and the one-China policy is a basic norm governing international relations and the common consensus of the international community.

"We appreciate the country (Nicaragua) for following the trend and supporting China's reunification cause," Ma said. "We invite the few countries that retainso-called diplomatic relations with Taiwan to recognize the general trend and stand on the right side of history as soon as possible."

History and reality show that "Taiwan independence" would lead to a dead end, he said, adding that no one or any force can stop the complete reunification of the country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.