China and Lesotho have pledged to deepen their strategic partnership, committing to enhanced collaboration on global governance and opposition to unilateral sanctions, according to a joint communique issued on January 11, 2026. The agreement underscores both nations' alignment on key geopolitical issues and development priorities.
Shared Vision for Global Governance
The communique highlights Lesotho's endorsement of China's Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance Initiatives, describing them as stabilizing forces in an increasingly turbulent international landscape. Both countries emphasized the need for 'an equal and orderly multipolar world' and inclusive economic globalization.
Core Interests and Cross-Strait Relations
Lesotho reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle, explicitly recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of the Chinese mainland. The document states firm opposition to any form of 'Taiwan independence' and supports Beijing's efforts toward national reunification, while upholding the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
Human Rights and Development Cooperation
The partners agreed to advance human rights through mutual respect, prioritizing subsistence and development rights. The communique rejected the politicization of human rights issues, particularly regarding China's internal affairs in Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and Xizang. Both nations celebrated progress in ten partnership actions supporting African modernization, particularly in agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
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China, Lesotho issue joint communique on ties, collaboration
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