January 6 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana. Over the past five decades, the two countries have been close partners, united by mutual trust, shared development, and strong people-to-people connections. Their bilateral relationship has made significant progress, serving as a model of cooperation and growth.
In 2021, China and Botswana signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with Botswana becoming the 46th African country to partner with China in this endeavor. In September 2024, the two countries established a strategic partnership. According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade reached $419 million in the first half of 2024, marking a 12.5 percent year-on-year increase. Furthermore, China and Botswana have engaged in pragmatic cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and cultural exchanges, yielding fruitful results.
The foundation of the healthy development of China-Botswana relations lies in their long-standing friendship and consistent mutual support. Both sides have committed to solidarity and cooperation as cornerstones of their policies, prioritizing the well-being of their peoples and working together for mutual development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, quoted an African proverb: “A friend is someone you share the path with,” to describe the China-Africa friendly relationship. Likewise, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi referred to China as Botswana’s “true friend” during a media interview.
The enduring friendship between China and Botswana is evident through their shared challenges and mutual support over the past 50 years. During critical moments in Botswana’s fight against colonialism, apartheid, and racial discrimination, China extended a helping hand. In 1971, when China sought to restore its lawful seat at the United Nations, Botswana, standing firm against Western pressure, cast its vote in favor of China, even though the two countries had not yet established diplomatic ties.
China’s support is also demonstrated in times of urgent need. Since 1981, China has sent 17 medical teams to Botswana, treating over 2 million patients and providing vital assistance to strengthen the country’s healthcare system, particularly in combating diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Most notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first to offer aid to Botswana, donating multiple batches of medical supplies to ease the immediate crisis. Throughout this period, China’s medical teams stood side by side with the people of Botswana, working together to fight the pandemic and sharing valuable experiences in pandemic control, demonstrating the sincere friendship between the two countries.
Reference(s):
China-Botswana friendship at 50: A model of cooperation and growth
cgtn.com
