On January 15, Ambassador Yang Xiaokun published a signed article titled “Forge Ahead with Sincerity and Mutual Trust, Elevating China-Lesotho Strategic Partnership to A New Level” on Lesotho Times. Here’s the full text.

From 10 to 11 January 2026, His Excellency Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, conducted an official visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho, marking an important milestone in the deepening of China—Lesotho strategic partnership. This visit reflected the mature political trust between the two countries and underscored a shared determination to advance cooperation that promotes development and improves the well—being of the peoples of both nations.

In Maseru, Minister Wang Yi held substantive discussions with the Right Honourable Sam Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho, and with the Honourable Lejone Mpotjoana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations. The Lesotho leadership reiterated its deep appreciation for China’s longstanding support for Lesotho’s development and expressed its firm commitment to strengthening cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and shared benefit; reaffirmed its steadfast adherence to the One China Principle; welcomed China’s policies aimed at enhancing trade and economic engagement, including China’s zero—tariff treatment for African exports into the Chinese market, which would provide new impetus for Lesotho’s development and industrial growth; expressed Lesotho’s readiness to deepen cooperation with China and strengthen coordination in multilateral affairs.

Minister Wang Yi stated that China attaches great importance to its relations with Lesotho and stands ready to carry forward traditional friendship, enhance political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation, so as to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples;  emphasized that China always treats all countries as equals, regardless of size or strength, and that China’s Africa policy does not target any third party and does not attach political strings.

 Following these meetings, the two sides issued the China-Lesotho Joint Communiqué, reaffirming firm mutual support on issues concerning core interests and major concerns. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the achievements in bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns. Lesotho reconfirmed its firm adherence to the One China Principle;support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative, recognizing that these initiatives inject stability and certainty into a world beset by turbulence and uncertainty. The two sides also stressed that the promotion of human rights is a common cause of humanity, affirming that the rights to subsistence and development are fundamental; pledged to work closely to oppose unilateral sanctions, protectionism and hegemonism, promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, and foster universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and a more just global governance system;expressed a common vision of building an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity. The communiqué highlighted the shared determination to advance projects that produce tangible outcomes, strengthen strategic coordination, and expand cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, education, and public health. Both sides also underlined the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties, reinforcing the foundation of enduring friendship.

Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Lesotho took place within the broader context of his visit to Africa, continuing a tradition that has been upheld for 36 consecutive years. Keeping this tradition for 36 years speaks the volumes about the deep friendship between the Chinese and African peoples. As Minister Wang noted in his post-visit interview, the purpose of this visit was to demonstrate China’s firm commitment to solidarity and cooperation with Africa and to inject confidence and certainty into an uncertain world. Over the past year, the world has not been tranquil and Africa has had a even tougher time. When Africa is once again “forgotten”, China comes to this promising continent, underscores its position that African countries are not marginal players but indispensable partners in global development and governance. When Africa faced tariff coercion, China announced the zero-tariff treatment for African countries. When certain external forces acted like condescending lecturers and pointed fingers at Africa’s internal affairs, China firmly stood with Africa in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and dignity. Against this broader African backdrop, Lesotho’s inclusion in this visit carries particular significance. When some even asked where exactly Lesotho is located, Chinese Foreign Minister paid a visit to the country, making it clear to the world that Lesotho is right here, its people are living a good life, and China is its strategic partner.

Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Lesotho also formed part of a wider China-Africa agenda. Just days earlier, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, he attended the launching ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, conveying President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message. President Xi stressed that people-to-people exchanges are an important pillar of the China-Africa community with a shared future and a key source of strength for China-Africa relations. The Year of People-to-People Exchanges will feature nearly 600 activities covering culture, education, youth, think tanks, media, tourism and women’s exchanges, aiming to bring China and Africa closer at the societal level and to consolidate public support for long-term cooperation. For Lesotho, this initiative offers concrete opportunities to deepen exchanges in education, culture, youth engagement and local—level cooperation. It reflects a shared belief that state-to-state relations ultimately rest on the friendship between peoples, and that mutual understanding and mutual learning are essential for lasting partnership.

From Africa as a whole, to Lesotho as a trusted partner, and onward to the broader vision of China-Africa people-to-people exchanges, Minister Wang Yi’s visit conveyed a consistent message: China’s commitment to Africa is long-term, sincere and people-centered. As China and Lesotho move forward together, the two sides will continue to deepen strategic mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and strengthen bonds between their peoples, contributing jointly to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.