DRC / FOCAC 2024: President Félix Tshisekedi reaffirms commitment to One China policy at meeting with Xi Jinping

On the sidelines of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss the deepening of bilateral ties, trade partnerships, and diplomatic relations between their nations.

This meeting took place as a prelude to the summit, which brings together African and Chinese leaders in Beijing.

During their discussion, President Tshisekedi reiterated the DRC’s unwavering commitment to the One-China policy, stating, “I wish to reaffirm the DRC’s steadfast support for the One-China policy, recognizing that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.”

This statement reflects the DRC’s strong backing of China’s stance on Taiwan, a highly sensitive and significant issue in global diplomacy.

President Tshisekedi also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to China for its ongoing support in the United Nations Security Council, particularly in upholding the DRC’s sovereignty and promoting stability in the Great Lakes region.

For the DRC, a nation grappling with persistent security challenges in this critical area of Africa, such support is of paramount importance.

The bilateral talks between the two leaders served to strengthen the strategic partnership between the DRC and China, focusing on economic development and mutual cooperation.

With its abundant natural resources, the DRC views China as a key partner in developing its infrastructure and attracting much-needed investment to fuel its economic growth.

FOCAC 2024 provides an ideal platform for these discussions, offering both countries the opportunity to solidify their relationship and explore new avenues of collaboration across various sectors, including trade, infrastructure, security, and diplomacy.