Photo: Nicaraguan National Assembly.
A delegation from the Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament visited Nicaragua on Monday in order to discuss and strengthen the cooperation between the two countries on peacebuilding and disarmament. Led by the Association’s Secretary, An Yuejun, the delegation met with representatives of the Nicaraguan government at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headed by Laureano Ortega Murillo and headquarters in the capital of Managua.
The central objective of the meeting was to enhance cooperation on peace and disarmament, as explained by Ortega Murillo, presidential advisor for investments, trade, and international cooperation. The focus was on sharing experiences and mutual learning, promoting peace and peaceful coexistence among all peoples. In his words, the visit aims to “strengthen cooperation ties for world peace.” Ortega Murillo is the son of Nicaragua’s autocratic president Daniel Ortega, who has been in power for a cumulative period of almost 30 years.
The Chinese People’s Association for Peace and Disarmament, founded in 1985, is a national organization representing the Chinese people. Its main mission is to establish friendly relations with organizations and personalities from other countries. It operates under the authority of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and, according to figures provided by them, cooperates with over 500 organizations in 157 countries.
The Chinese delegation, led by the director and deputy director of the Asian and Pacific Section, Sun Yuning and Pu Zhuangyi, respectively, actively participates in this international collaboration effort.
Despite cooperation efforts, it is ironic that China, known for its authoritarian regime, and Nicaragua, under the heavily criticized leadership of President Daniel Ortega, come together to discuss peace and disarmament. China has faced criticism over human rights violations, especially in the Xinjiang region, where the Uighur community reportedly experiences ongoing abuses. Ortega, who described the agreement to elevate diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua last year as “the best Christmas gift” and “great news,” has also faced international scrutiny for controversial political practices.
Diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua were established in December 1985, during the first Sandinista government. After establishing ties with Taiwan in 1990, Nicaragua resumed diplomatic relations with China in December 2021, marking a new phase in their bilateral relationship.