China Monitoring Desk Islamabad by Editor Tazeen Akhtar
Nicaragua leaders have thanked China for being a true and sincere friend unlike some other countries (USA). The Co-President of Central American nation Nicaragua , Mr. Daniel Ortega spoke highly about the shared development with no regime change or coercive agenda of China in a big rally the other day in the capital city of Managua. Second Co-Presidents Ms Rosario Murillo was also present at the occasion who continued to appreciate the address of Ortega with clapping.
Ortega said : “China is the exception among world powers.”
China is contributing in the development and well being of this state since long. China has provided 2,280 new buses since 2023 with no conditions, no strings, no regime change demands as China is not the West.
The address of Ortega meant , “China may have its own agenda, but as long as it’s not pushed with bombardments or mass starvation via sanctions, we should approach it with solidarity & use it as a chance to grow to better ourselves. Set rules clearly so no one bends them when it suits their interests.”
It was a big rally with participation of a large number of people while the Chinese buses were parked behind the participants.
China and Nicaragua have established a comprehensive strategic partnership, significantly intensifying cooperation since resuming diplomatic ties in 2021. Bilateral relations focus on economic development, including a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that took effect in January 2024, infrastructure projects (notably housing), and alignment against international hegemonism.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Trade & Economy: China is now Nicaragua’s second-largest trading partner. Under the FTA, Nicaragua exports meat, coffee, seafood (shrimp, lobster, sea cucumber), and rum to China, while importing Chinese electronics, appliances, and vehicles.
Infrastructure: Major projects involve Chinese state-owned enterprises, including the construction of a new international airport by CAMCE Engineering and a deep-water port in Bluefields. In November 2024, President Ortega also proposed a new 276-mile interoceanic canal project to Chinese investors.
Social & Public Services: China has provided over 500 public transit buses to Managua and assisted in building affordable housing units. Recent donations also include wheat, urea, and COVID-19 vaccines.
Media & Culture: In early 2026, the Nicaragua-China Culture and Trade Promotion Association was inaugurated in Managua to strengthen cultural ties and support the Chinese community. Both nations also cooperate on media networks to share information on development and education.
Energy & Mining: Chinese firms hold over 500,000 hectares in mining concessions in Nicaragua, including recent grants in the Río San Juan biosphere.
Geopolitical Alignment: Both nations share, according to their governments, a commitment to opposing imperialism and foreign interference, strengthening “South-South” cooperation.
As of 2026, the relationship continues to deepen, with China providing financial assistance and investment for Nicaragua’s development in exchange for a reliable partner in Central America.
China and Nicaragua are actively strengthening transportation cooperation through massive infrastructure projects, public transit modernization, and direct logistics, driven by their 2021 diplomatic resumption and 2024 free trade agreement. Key projects include upgrading the Punta Huete International Airport to an international hub, delivering thousands of Yutong buses to modernize urban fleets, and establishing direct shipping routes.
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Key areas of transport cooperation include:
Public Transit Modernization: China has delivered hundreds of Yutong buses, with total acquisitions exceeding 2,000 units to revamp urban and rural public transport networks across Nicaragua. Further, 100+ buses were donated, contributing to improved public transit infrastructure.
Infrastructure & Air Transport: China International Engineering Co., Ltd. is engaged in the expansion and renovation of Punta Huete International Airport, aiming to improve connectivity to Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Logistics & Maritime: Direct maritime shipping routes between China and Nicaragua have been established, facilitating the transport of machinery and construction materials. Additionally, China’s CCSI is assisting with the installation of intelligent logistics management systems at the Corinto port’s Julia Herrera facility.
Digital Integration: Huawei and other Chinese entities are involved in projects to enhance digital connectivity to support modernized transportation infrastructure.
These projects are part of a broader, rapidly accelerating bilateral trade and investment partnership that includes constructing affordable housing and strengthening the Nicaraguan transport ministry’s capabilities.
Strategic & Political Context
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): Nicaragua is an active partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, which guides their mutual development goals.
One-China Principle: Nicaragua firmly adheres to the one-China principle, having severed ties with Taiwan to establish relations with Beijing.
Multilateralism: Both countries collaborate within the China-CELAC Forum to promote regional integration and oppose what they term “external interference” and “hegemonism”.
