A growing friendship

The milestone move follows the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and the Central American nation in 2021.

At an event in December marking the second anniversary of the relationship, Michael Campbell, Nicaragua's ambassador to China, said major areas of cooperation include infrastructure, development and industry projects, expertise and exchange, as well as the promotion of trade and investments.

"Nicaragua aims to become a strategic ally of China in Central America and a regional platform for Chinese companies," he said.

"We are actively promoting investment and trade in sectors such as agriculture, fishing and aquaculture, mining, light manufacturing, banking and finance, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and tourism," Campbell said.

"Nicaragua is welcoming Chinese companies and entrepreneurs with arms wide open, inviting them to visit our country and take advantage of our geographic location, natural resources and scenic beauty," he said.

Cai Wei, director-general of the Department of Latin American and Caribbean Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at the event in Beijing that bilateral relations in the past two years "have developed by leaps and bounds".

"In April this year, I visited Nicaragua and had extensive in-depth exchanges with the country. I personally experienced the profound political mutual trust and friendship between the two countries," Cai said.

"Learning to sing Chinese songs has increasingly become a new 'trend' among Nicaraguan students. China-Nicaragua friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people and benefits the people, which fully demonstrates that the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Nicaragua is a correct decision that conforms to the trend and is in line with the fundamental interests of both countries," Cai said.

Nicaragua also joined the Belt and Road Initiative last year, promising to further tap growth opportunities.

For Frixione, the potential of China-Nicaragua cooperation can be understood in how his rum can be suitably paired with Chinese cuisine such as pork belly dishes.

"Stewed, something silky like what you have in Shanghai food, it gives that beautiful balance," he says.

"Round that off with an amazing cigar, if you're into smoking them, and a good, dark chocolate, that's a perfect pairing."