China and Nauru have re-established diplomatic ties after the Pacific island nation severed relations with Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nauru's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Lionel Aingimea met in Beijing on Wednesday. They signed a joint statement to officially resume bilateral relations.

Wang said at a news conference after the signing ceremony that most countries recognize the one-China principle. He also said Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

Wang stressed that the 12 remaining diplomatic allies of Taiwan are violating a United Nations resolution. He said having diplomatic ties with Taiwan infringes on China's sovereignty and "should be corrected sooner or later."

He urged those countries to recognize the one-China principle and indicated Beijing would continue to pressure Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, which rejects the principle.

Nauru announced it was severing diplomatic relations with Taiwan just two days after Lai Ching-te won the presidency in the January 13 election.

Wang said cutting ties with Taiwan was an independent decision made by the government of Nauru. But he said China is willing to share development opportunities with Nauru, suggesting financial support for the island nation.

Aingimea revealed he visited the southern Chinese province of Guangdong and said he was fascinated by China's economic development. Nauru had recognized China before, between 2002 and 2005.