• JOINT STATEMENT BETWEEN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP

At the invitation of His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, paid a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China from October 12 to 17, 2026.

President Xi Jinping and President Duma Gideon Boko held extensive and constructive discussions on the state and future direction of China-Botswana relations, China-Africa relations, and regional and international developments of mutual interest and concern.

The two sides reaffirmed that the longstanding friendship between China and Botswana has withstood the test of time. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 51 years ago, the two countries have maintained relations founded on the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

Over the years, the two sides have progressively deepened political mutual trust, expanded practical cooperation and strengthened coordination on regional and international issues, thereby contributing to greater solidarity and cooperation among countries of the Global South.

1. The two sides shared the assessment that the world is undergoing an accelerating transformation, characterised by heightened geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, rapid technological change and increasingly complex global challenges. Botswana highly commended President Xi Jinping’s proposals, including the building of a community with a shared future for humanity and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, which are conducive to bringing valuable stability to a turbulent world. Against this backdrop, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting international peace and security, sustainable development, multilateralism, respect for international law, and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The two sides recognised the growing convergence of their national development priorities and international interests and agreed to further strengthen their partnership through enhanced political trust, expanded economic and development cooperation, strengthened strategic coordination, and greater people-to-people exchanges. In this context, the two Presidents decided to elevate bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Botswana, opening a new chapter in the longstanding and evolving relationship between the two countries.

ESTABLISHING COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC COOPERATIVE PARTNERSHIP

2. The two sides reaffirmed the strategic importance of Head-of-State diplomacy in providing overall direction and political impetus to bilateral relations. They agreed to translate the consensus reached by the two Presidents into sustained political engagement, strengthened institutional cooperation and tangible outcomes. The two sides agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation among governments, legislatures, political parties, local authorities, business communities, academic institutions and other relevant sectors. They committed to making full and effective use of established bilateral mechanisms, including political consultations between the two Foreign Ministries and mechanisms for economic and trade cooperation, to facilitate the implementation of agreed priorities and ensure effective follow-through.

3. The two sides agreed to support each other’s efforts to safeguard sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, national dignity, security, development and prosperity. They reaffirmed their continued staunch support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. Botswana reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the one-China principle, recognising that there is but one China in the world, Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Botswana resolutely opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” supports all efforts by China to achieve national reunification, and steadfastly upholds the authority of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Botswana further noted that matters relating to Xinjiang, Xizang and Hong Kong are internal affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

4. The two sides congratulated each other on their respective national milestones and welcomed the development achievements recorded by both countries. China congratulated Botswana on the 60th anniversary of its independence and commended its efforts to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic transformation through the implementation of NDP 12 and the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme. Botswana, in turn, congratulated the Communist Party of China on the 105th anniversary of its founding and welcomed China’s development achievements, as well as the commencement of the implementation of its 15th Five-Year Plan.

5. The two sides agreed to promote exchanges of experience and mutual learning in governance, public administration, institutional development, sustainable development, economic transformation, modernisation, poverty reduction and other areas of mutual interest, while recognising that each country will pursue a development path suited to its own national circumstances.

6. The two sides further recognised the important contribution of political-party exchanges to enhancing mutual understanding and promoting people-centred governance. They agreed to encourage exchanges and experience-sharing between their respective political parties in areas including leadership development, policy formulation, organisational development, training and institutional strengthening. Botswana welcomed opportunities for members of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) to participate in relevant bilateral and multilateral training and capacity-building programmes hosted by China.

WORKING TOGETHER TO ADVANCE THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (GDI)

7. Botswana commended the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by President Xi Jinping and recognised its potential to strengthen international development cooperation and advance the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They agreed to explore practical opportunities to align cooperation under the GDI with Botswana’s national development priorities, with a view to promoting inclusive growth, sustainable development and shared prosperity.

8. The two sides welcomed Botswana’s signing of the Cooperative Plan for Joint Progress on the Belt and Road Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding identifying priority areas and potential flagship projects for cooperation. They agreed to deepen practical cooperation within its framework and expand cooperation in trade and investment, mining development, science and technology, the digital economy, green development, medical and health services, agriculture, forestry, water conservancy, human capital development, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides agreed to leverage Botswana’s strategic geographical position in Southern Africa to promote regional economic integration.

9. Botswana welcomed measures aimed at expanding market access and strengthening China-Africa economic and trade relations, including the zero-tariff measures for the 53 African countries initiated by President Xi Jinping. In this regard, they agreed to work together to expand bilateral trade and facilitate greater access for Botswana’s products to the Chinese market, including through the effective utilisation of Green Channel 2.0 and other appropriate trade facilitation mechanisms. The two sides committed to expanding market opportunities for Botswana’s beef, citrus and other agricultural products, while working to address relevant technical, sanitary, phytosanitary and market-access requirements. They agreed to expedite the signing and implementation of early-harvest arrangements under the Economic Partnership for Common Development Agreement within SACU, consistent with applicable regional and national processes.

10. The two sides committed to strengthening bilateral investment cooperation and encouraged enterprises from both countries to identify and pursue commercially viable opportunities, particularly in mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, digital technology and other productive sectors. The two sides appreciated Botswana’s participation in the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development and committed to expanding cooperation in digital transformation, smart cities, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. They agreed to strengthen business-to-business engagement through business missions, forums and other platforms, with a particular focus on converting identified investment opportunities into feasible projects, productive capacity and tangible economic outcomes.

11. The two sides expressed satisfaction with progress in mining cooperation and agreed to strengthen cooperation in sustainable mineral development and energy transition, including through cooperation relating to the Khoemacau Copper Mine. They welcomed Botswana’s participation in the International Economic and Trade Cooperation Initiative on Green Mining and Minerals and agreed to work towards implementing a Memorandum of Understanding on Green Mining Cooperation. They further agreed to strengthen cooperation in the diamond sector, including through the Kimberley Process, and enhance access for Botswana’s diamond products to the Chinese market.

12. The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening China-Africa solidarity, unity and cooperation in pursuit of common development, peace and prosperity. They recognised the strategic importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a key platform for collective dialogue, policy coordination and practical cooperation between China and African countries. They welcomed the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and agreed to work together to advance the outcomes and commitments of FOCAC. Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to participating constructively in FOCAC follow-up activities and initiatives and expressed its best wishes for the success of the 18th Senior Officials’ Meeting and the 10th Ministerial Meeting of FOCAC.

WORKING TOGETHER TO ADVANCE THE GLOBAL SECURITY INITIATIVE (GSI)

13. Botswana commended the Global Security Initiative (GSI) proposed by President Xi Jinping as a framework for advancing a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and expressed its readiness to strengthen cooperation with China within the framework of the GSI. The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting international and regional peace, security and stability, and agreed that security challenges should be addressed through dialogue, consultation and peaceful means, consistent with the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

14. The two sides committed to strengthening exchanges and practical cooperation in support of peace and security in Africa and to contributing, within their respective capacities, to international and regional peace, security and stability. They reaffirmed their support for the principle of “African solutions to African problems” and agreed that African countries and institutions should play the leading role in preventing and resolving conflicts on the continent. They expressed support for the African Union and Regional Economic Communities in their efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts, promote dialogue and strengthen peace and security.

15. The two sides expressed concern over the continued conflicts and instability in the Middle East and their broader implications for international peace and security, humanitarian conditions and sustainable development, including their potential impact on Africa. They called upon all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint, work towards the cessation of hostilities, de-escalate tensions and pursue dialogue and negotiations in accordance with international law and the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

16. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement and security, including enhanced coordination to safeguard the safety and legitimate interests of their respective citizens, institutions, enterprises and projects operating in each other’s territories. They committed, in accordance with their respective laws and international obligations, to strengthening cooperation in combating transnational organised crime, including cyber-enabled and telecommunications fraud, illicit drug trafficking, smuggling, trafficking in persons and other forms of cross-border criminal activity.

WORKING TOGETHER TO ADVANCE THE GLOBAL CIVILISATION INITIATIVE (GCI)

17. Botswana commended the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) proposed by President Xi Jinping. The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening mutual understanding, friendship and lasting ties between the peoples of Botswana and China, and agreed to promote equality, mutual learning, dialogue, inclusiveness and respect for the diversity of civilisations.

18. The two sides welcomed the outcomes of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges and commended the successful organisation of cultural activities in Botswana. They agreed to build on these achievements by expanding cultural exchanges and promoting sustained interaction between their peoples. They committed to expanding cooperation in culture, tourism, sport, youth, women’s empowerment, media, think tanks and other areas that contribute to greater mutual understanding and closer people-to-people ties.

19. The two sides further agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, research, innovation and human capital development and encouraged universities and institutions of higher learning to establish partnerships under the China-Africa 100 Universities Cooperation Plan in the fields of environment and sustainable development, language and cultures, and the mutual learning among civilisations. They agreed to support the continued contribution of the Confucius Institute to educational and cultural exchanges and to expand cooperation in language education. China will continue to provide government scholarships, professional training and capacity-building opportunities for outstanding students and professionals from Botswana.

20. The two sides expressed satisfaction with the contribution of health cooperation to the well-being of their peoples and welcomed the 45th anniversary of the deployment of Chinese medical teams to Botswana. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation in health through the deployment of medical teams, the “Brightness Journey” voluntary clinic programme, the provision of medical supplies, and partnerships between healthcare institutions and hospitals, to explore expanded cooperation in specialist healthcare, minimally invasive medicine, medical technology and health-sector capacity development, with a view to strengthening Botswana’s healthcare system, building local capacity, and improving access to quality and affordable healthcare.

WORKING TOGETHER TO ADVANCE GLOBAL GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE (GGI)

21. Botswana commended the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) put forward by President Xi Jinping. The two sides agreed to strengthen dialogue and coordination on international governance issues of mutual interest and concern. They agreed to advocate for a global governance system based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefit, and to support reforms that strengthen the voice, representation and meaningful participation of developing countries, particularly those of the Global South, in global decision-making. They reaffirmed their commitment to an international system with the United Nations at its core, and to an international order based on international law, and to the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

22. The two sides agreed to promote genuine multilateralism, international fairness and justice, greater democracy in international relations, the peaceful resolution of disputes and support the multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core. They expressed their shared opposition to unilateralism, protectionism, hegemonism and power politics, and affirmed their support for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

23. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of digital sovereignty and agreed that all countries should have the right to independently determine their approaches to the development and application of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, in accordance with their national circumstances and development priorities. They further emphasised that countries should not be forced to take sides in technology options, while strengthening international dialogue and cooperation on responsible artificial intelligence, digital transformation and emerging technologies, with a view to ensuring that technological advances contribute to sustainable development, inclusive growth and the well-being of humanity.

24. The two sides welcomed China’s successful hosting of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and the High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance and agreed to strengthen cooperation and dialogue on global AI governance and emerging technologies and build a just and equitable system for global AI governance. Botswana will positively consider participation in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation and the International Organisation for Mediation, in accordance with its national interests, applicable laws and established procedures.

25. The two sides welcomed Botswana’s successful hosting of the first African Biodiversity Summit and agreed to strengthen cooperation in climate change, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection and sustainable development. They reaffirmed the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and agreed to strengthen cooperation through relevant multilateral frameworks and to promote the effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.

26. The two sides reaffirmed that the protection and promotion of human rights is a shared responsibility of humanity. They agreed to promote dialogue, exchanges and cooperation on human rights on the basis of equality, mutual respect, objectivity and non-selectivity. They further expressed their shared opposition to the politicisation, instrumentalisation and application of double standards in human rights and reaffirmed the importance of taking into account the national circumstances, laws, development priorities and historical contexts of individual countries in addressing human rights issues.

27. The two sides affirmed that President Duma Gideon Boko’s State Visit to the People’s Republic of China constitutes an important milestone in the history of China-Botswana relations. They committed to carrying forward their longstanding friendship and to developing the Partnership into a strategic, mutually beneficial and results-oriented framework for common development.

28. President Duma Gideon Boko expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping, the Government and the people of the People’s Republic of China for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the State Visit. Following their meeting, the two Presidents witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents in various fields.

• Done in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, on October 13, 2026.