Moroke Sekoboto
THE Chinese government this week celebrated 76 years of transformation — from poverty to prosperity, from turmoil to stability, from technological backwardness to innovation leadership, from severe pollution to green development, and from isolation to becoming a staunch force for peace, stability, and progress in the world.
Speaking at the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China held at Maseru Avani, Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun, reflected on the country’s remarkable journey since 1949 when it gained its independence after the conclusion of the Chinese Civil War.
He recalled that when China was founded, it was a poor and war-torn nation struggling to recover from instability. Today, he said, China has become the world’s second-largest economy and is advancing under the model of Chinese modernisation.
Mr Xiaokun credited much of this progress to the effective implementation of the country’s Five-Year Plans.
“Formulating well-designed five-year plans and implementing them consecutively represents an important governance experience for the Communist Party of China and a major political strength of socialism with Chinese characteristics,” Mr Xiaokun said.
“This year marks the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan. To promote development with a focus on quality improvement, we have grounded our efforts in the new stage of development, applied the new development philosophy, created a new development paradigm, and achieved great progress.”
He said China’s economic growth is projected to exceed US$4.89 trillion, contributing about 30 percent annually to global economic expansion. Innovation, he emphasized, remains central to this growth, with research and development investment reaching record highs.
On sustainability, the ambassador highlighted significant advances.
“China has not only met but exceeded its sustainability promises. From 2021 to 2024, energy consumption per unit of GDP fell by 11.6 percent, cutting carbon emissions by around 1.1 billion tonnes—nearly half the European Union’s total emissions in 2024.”
China has also eased restrictions on foreign investment. Since 2021, the negative list has been reduced twice, with all restrictions on foreign access to the manufacturing sector lifted and further liberalisation introduced in agriculture and services.
“China’s national strength has been significantly enhanced, which will also offer opportunities for global development,” he said.
He underscored that China’s Belt and Road Initiative has become “the most popular international public good and the largest platform for international cooperation”.
The Ambassador also spoke of China’s global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, as well as the recently launched Global Governance Initiative (GGI).
“The GGI promotes a more just and equitable global governance system, upholding sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centred approach, and real results.”
On relations with Africa, he highlighted the significance of last year’s Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which he described as “a milestone that charted new directions and injected fresh momentum into China-Africa relations”.
He further recalled Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s visit to China and attendance at the Summit, during which China and Lesotho elevated their ties to a strategic partnership.
“China is the first and only country to establish such a partnership with Lesotho, ushering in broader horizons for our shared future.”
Mr Xiaokun emphasised that political trust remains the cornerstone of China–Lesotho relations.
“President Xi Jinping, His Majesty King Letsie III and Prime Minister Matekane have been exchanging letters frequently, establishing a close personal relationship and guiding the development of bilateral ties.”
He commended Lesotho for steadfastly upholding the One-China principle and reaffirmed that China stands with Lesotho in pursuing its development priorities.
He outlined ongoing cooperation projects, including the recently completed Fingerprint Laboratory, the upcoming Maseru Agricultural Storage and Logistics Infrastructure Project, and the delivery of new batches of agricultural machinery.
“Nearly every year, we witness the completion or groundbreaking of a new project,” he said.
He said the cultural and educational exchanges are also flourishing, with Confucius Institutes, cultural events, scholarships, and training opportunities strengthening people-to-people ties.
“Already more than 400 Basotho have gone to China this year. Chinese medical teams also continue to provide services and technical assistance. Next year, 2026, marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries and has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Limpho Tau, described the commemoration of China’s National Day as a celebration of “resilience, vision, and transformation”.
He said Lesotho deeply values its relationship with China, which has “consistently stood the test of history”.
“Lesotho and China enjoy a time-tested relationship anchored on mutual respect, non-interference, solidarity, and genuine partnership.
“At the centre of this relationship is Lesotho’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle. I reaffirm that the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory,” Mr Tau said.
He also said China has proven itself a genuine and reliable partner in Lesotho’s journey toward sustainable development.
“China’s contribution is visible across the country. We live in an era of profound global challenges. Climate change, pandemics, economic uncertainties, and conflicts threaten peace and stability. Because of these challenges, Lesotho supports the vision articulated by President Xi Jinping through the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative.”
