China and Lesotho have pledged to elevate their strategic partnership, vowing closer political coordination and expanded cooperation as Beijing continues to strengthen its diplomatic footprint across Africa.
The commitment was outlined in a joint communique released after talks in Maseru between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lejone Mpotjoana, during Wang’s official visit to the southern African kingdom over the weekend.
The two sides “reaffirmed their determination to advance the bilateral strategic partnership to a higher level,” the statement said, adding that relations between China and Lesotho should serve as “a model of friendly exchanges and common development” between countries with differing political systems and levels of development.
Wang, who is also a member of the Communist Party of China’s powerful Politburo, praised what the communique described as “significant achievements” in bilateral ties, while both ministers agreed to deepen mutual trust and cooperation in areas deemed central to their respective national interests.
Lesotho reiterated its backing for the four global initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Beijing says are aimed at promoting development, security, civilizational dialogue and global governance reform. The initiatives, the communique said, had helped inject “stability and certainty into a turbulent world.”
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The landlocked kingdom also reaffirmed its adherence to the one-China principle, recognising Beijing as the sole legitimate government representing China and describing Taiwan as an “inalienable part” of Chinese territory.
China, in turn, voiced support for Lesotho’s domestic reform efforts and its pursuit of national sovereignty, security and economic development, according to the statement.
Human rights featured prominently in the talks, with both sides stressing that the promotion of human rights should be pursued through dialogue and cooperation based on “mutual respect and equality.”
They rejected what they described as the politicisation and “weaponisation” of human rights, as well as the use of double standards, and opposed interference in domestic affairs under the pretext of rights advocacy.
The ministers also highlighted progress under what they termed 10 partnership actions jointly undertaken by China and African countries to support modernisation, though the communique did not provide specific details on projects in Lesotho.
Both sides agreed that global power shifts were accelerating and that countries of the Global South were playing an increasingly influential role in international affairs.
Against that backdrop, China and Lesotho pledged to work more closely to oppose unilateral sanctions, protectionist policies and what they described as economic hegemonism.
They called for a more “equal and orderly multipolar world” and a form of globalisation that is “universally beneficial and inclusive,” while advocating reforms to global governance institutions to make them more representative and equitable.
The communique also underscored a shared commitment to building an open and inclusive international order, alongside efforts to promote environmental protection, lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity.
China has steadily expanded its diplomatic, economic and political engagement across Africa in recent decades, positioning itself as a key development partner through investments in infrastructure, trade and public works.
For Lesotho, one of Africa’s smallest economies, China has been a significant partner in sectors including construction, health and education.
Wang’s visit to Maseru formed part of China’s long-standing diplomatic tradition of sending its foreign minister to Africa at the start of each year, a gesture widely seen as signalling Beijing’s enduring strategic focus on the continent.
While the communique emphasised shared principles and aspirations, analysts say the evolving partnership also reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, as African states seek diversified alliances amid intensifying competition between major global powers.
