 In June 1942 , diplomatic relations were established with the Nationalist government of China . This step was envisaged earlier , but delayed due to Japanese pressure to establish relations with the pro @-@ Japanese Wang Jingwei government . The first Chinese Minister to the Vatican , Hsieh Shou @-@ kang , was only able to arrive at the Vatican in January 1943 , due to difficulties of travel resulting from the war . He remained in that position until late 1946 . 
