Diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China take effect after a 29 August communiqué in Kolonia.

What happened

External Affairs Secretary Andon Amaraich and China’s ambassador to Australia, Zhang Zai, signed the communiqué, in which the FSM recognized the People’s Republic as “the sole legal government of China.” The two sides agreed that the FSM’s purely commercial, non-governmental dealings with Taiwan could continue.

Why it matters

The FSM has recognized Beijing ever since, despite President Panuelo’s 2023 proposal to switch recognition to Taiwan.