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China–Nicaragua relations are the bilateral relationship between China and Nicaragua. Official relations began in 1985, but were broken in 1990 as a result of Nicaragua's recognition of Taiwan. Relations were restored in 2021. China has an embassy in Managua and Nicaragua has an embassy in Beijing.[1] [2]
During the Cold War, Nicaragua only maintained formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Xinhua News Agency opened a branch office in Managua after the Nicaraguan Revolution broke out in 1979.[3] The Nicaraguan government, which was led by Daniel Ortega, first established formal relations with China in 1985, and both countries soon opened resident embassies in their respective capitals.[4] In spite of this, China supplied arms to the rebel Contras to bolster ties with the United States and counter Soviet influence in Central America.[5]
Ortega was defeated in the 1990 Nicaraguan general election by Violeta Chamorro, who declared the restoration of diplomatic relations with Taiwan.[6] China subsequently severed diplomatic relations.[7] Additionally, Nicaragua shut down its consulate before the transfer of sovereignty of Hong Kong, which was established during British rule.[8]
In December 2021, Nicaragua suspended its relations with Taiwan and restored its relations with China.[9] After restoring relations, Nicaragua and China signed a number of agreements by which China would provide economic assistance for the development of 12,000 units of public housing and infrastructure including ports, railways, energy, and water projects.[10]