President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo paid a state visit to China from May 26-31 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. In office since 1982, Obiang is Africa’s longest serving head of state and this was his 11th visit to China, his most recent previous visit having been to attend the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Meeting on May 28, the two heads of state announced that they had elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
Xi said that China and Equatorial Guinea are good friends and partners and their relations feature a high level of political mutual trust. Since they established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the two sides have been helping each other through thick and thin, and firmly supporting each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns.
Under the new circumstances, consolidating and developing China-Equatorial Guinea relations conforms to the fundamental interests and common expectations of the two countries and peoples. China firmly supports Equatorial Guinea in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, opposing foreign interference, and independently exploring its own development path.
China is also ready to take the opportunity of elevating bilateral ties to further deepen friendly exchanges with Equatorial Guinea, and exchange experience in reform, development and poverty alleviation, so as to inject lasting impetus into the two countries’ traditional friendship.
And China is willing to share development experience in the fields of agriculture and rural affairs with Equatorial Guinea, continue conducting agricultural technical assistance projects, give full play to the role of Chinese medical teams and the China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Hospital, and deepen medical care, education, exchanges and cooperation in cultural and other fields, to pass on the traditional friendship between the two countries from generation to generation and better benefit the two peoples.
Emphasising that the world today is intertwined with turmoil, the changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and human society is facing unprecedented challenges, Xi said that developing countries need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever.
China is willing to work with Equatorial Guinea and other developing countries to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international equity and justice, to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
Obiang said that China is a great Eastern country, a good brother and reliable strategic partner of Equatorial Guinea. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 54 years ago, their bilateral relations have always maintained a friendly development and are currently at the best period in history. The cooperation between China and Equatorial Guinea has always been based on equality and mutual respect and is never imposed on others.
Obiang mentioned that Chinese medical teams in Africa, the China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Hospital and other important projects have benefited the local people and become a symbol of friendship between Africa and China.
The next day, President Obiang met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Li said that China is willing to strengthen strategic alignment with Equatorial Guinea, work on existing cooperation projects in infrastructure construction and other areas, and expand cooperation in such sectors as marine economy, green economy, and agricultural development.
Both sides should work together to uphold international fairness and justice, and steadfastly safeguard the common interests of the Global South, he added.
Coinciding with President Obiang’s visit, which also took him to Shandong Province, the Xinhua News Agency released a number of stories highlighting the close and long-standing friendship between the two countries.
It reported that during their talks, President Xi expressed appreciation for the kindness the Equatorial Guinea people have shown to the Chinese.
“We will always remember your kindness to the people in the Wenchuan earthquake disaster area and your donation to the construction of Hope Primary School in Jinping County, Yunnan Province,” Xi said.
“Such mutual support between the two countries is a vivid illustration of the sincere friendship and joint development between China and African countries.”
In April 2015, President Obiang announced during his visit to China that Equatorial Guinea would donate a school in Jinping County in China’s southwestern Yunnan Province as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with the Chinese people.
“The children found themselves in spacious and bright classrooms within a five-story building, and the once muddy hillside was transformed into a well-built playground,” said Ran Hongyan, the school’s principal.
Ran added that the school, which now accommodates over 2,000 students from 16 different ethnic groups, has a special exhibition room to display the children’s photographs, crafts and paintings regarding the friendship between the two countries.
Likewise, in January 2016, the Confucius Institute was established at the National University of Equatorial Guinea, providing young people with more opportunities to learn about Chinese culture.
“When I was a child, Chinese people came to our village to teach farming techniques,” said Jose Antonio Nguema, a 21-year-old student. “They were very friendly and taught me to say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ in Chinese.”
Since then, a “seed of friendship was sown in my heart,” Nguema said. Upon entering university, he was delighted to find a Confucius Institute on campus and eagerly enrolled in Chinese classes. “I have travelled to China twice through the ‘Chinese Bridge’ program. To me, China represents the future.”
Xinhua commented: “Looking back over more than half a century since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Equatorial Guinea have always treated each other as equals, respected each other and supported each other, creating a model of South-South cooperation. Looking ahead, China and Equatorial Guinea will join forces with other African countries to contribute even more to building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
It quoted President Obiang as follows: “I appreciate President Xi Jinping’s initiative to help African countries. I believe it is the most effective way for Africa to overcome all the difficulties it faces today.”
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Alejandro Micha Nsue, President of the National Office of Planning and Project Monitoring of Equatorial Guinea, recalled that Chinese companies arrived in his country during his childhood to construct the Nkue-Mongomo road.
“Today, if we talk about the development of transportation infrastructure, including roads, ports, and airports, Chinese companies have been deeply involved,” he said.
Over the past half a century since China and Equatorial Guinea established diplomatic ties in 1970, Chinese enterprises have constructed hydroelectric power stations, airports, roads, and housing projects, serving as the foundation for the country’s development and progress.
Nsue praised such cooperation projects as the new terminal at Malabo International Airport and the new national university campus. “Equatorial Guinea’s characteristics are being shaped through its cooperation with China,” he said.
In Nsue’s view, the cooperation between China and Equatorial Guinea is sincere.
“The countries that colonised Africa exploited and plundered it, taking away all its resources and leaving the countries in ruins. China’s cooperation is different.”
The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.
Chinese, Equatorial Guinean presidents hold talks, elevate ties
BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) — China and Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday elevated their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
This was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, during their talks in Beijing.
Xi said China and Equatorial Guinea are good friends and partners, and their relations feature a high level of political mutual trust.
Since they established diplomatic ties more than half a century ago, the two sides have been helping each other through thick and thin, and firmly supporting each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, he said.
Under the new circumstances, consolidating and developing China-Equatorial Guinea relations conforms to the fundamental interests and common expectations of the two countries and peoples, Xi said.
China firmly supports Equatorial Guinea in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, opposing foreign interference, and independently exploring its own development path, he said.
China is ready to take the opportunity of elevating bilateral ties to further deepen friendly exchanges with Equatorial Guinea, and exchange experience in reform, development and poverty alleviation to inject lasting impetus into the two countries’ traditional friendship, Xi said.
Xi pointed out that China supports Equatorial Guinea’s economic and social development, supports the country’s efforts to promote economic diversification and industrialization, and is willing to closely synergize the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) achievements and the Belt and Road Initiative with “Equatorial Guinea Agenda 2035” to improve the quality and performance of cooperation in various fields.
China encourages capable Chinese enterprises to invest in Equatorial Guinea, and is willing to share development experience in the fields of agriculture and rural affairs with Equatorial Guinea, continue conducting agricultural technical assistance projects, give full play to the role of Chinese medical teams and China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Hospital, and deepen medical care, education, exchanges and cooperation in cultural and other fields, to pass on the traditional friendship between the two countries from generation to generation and better benefit the two peoples, Xi said.
Emphasizing that the world today is intertwined with turmoil, the changes unseen in a century are accelerating, and human society is facing unprecedented challenges, Xi said that developing countries need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever.
China is willing to work with Equatorial Guinea and other developing countries to carry forward the spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international equity and justice, to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.
Noting that developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important cornerstone of China’s foreign policy, Xi said China is willing to hold a new FOCAC summit with Africa, further carry forward traditional friendship, deepen solidarity and cooperation, discuss future development and cooperation plans, and open a new chapter in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
Obiang said that China is a great eastern country, a good brother and reliable strategic partner of Equatorial Guinea. Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 54 years ago, their bilateral relations have always maintained a friendly development and are currently at the best period in history. The cooperation between China and Equatorial Guinea has always been based on equality and mutual respect, and is never imposed on others.
Obiang mentioned that Chinese medical teams in Africa, China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Hospital and other important projects have benefited the local people and become a symbol of friendship between Africa and China. Equatorial Guinea is willing to open its doors to China, welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and carry out cooperation in Equatorial Guinea to help Equatorial Guinea achieve economic diversification and industrialization, and ensure the lasting and healthy national development.
Obiang said the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi, are conducive to promoting global peace and progress and creating a better world.
Equatorial Guinea highly appreciates China’s active efforts in promoting the political settlement of regional hotspot issues and promoting world peace and development, said Obiang. Equatorial Guinea is willing to strengthen cooperation with China within the frameworks of the FOCAC, BRICS and others, to promote a global governance system that is more fair and equitable, he added.
Noting that Equatorial Guinea firmly upholds the one-China principle, Obiang said there is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. The government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. Equatorial Guinea opposes any form of “Taiwan independence” and firmly supports the efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve complete reunification, he said.
The two heads of state witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents on investment, economic development, digital economy, green development, implementing the Global Development Initiative and other fields.
The two sides also issued a joint statement on establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
Chinese premier meets with Equatorial Guinean president
BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Equatorial Guinean president Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, who is in China on a state visit, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday.
Noting China and Equatorial Guinea share a solid relationship, Li said that over the past 54 years of diplomatic relations, mutual trust and support have always been the defining characteristics of the bilateral ties.
As the two sides announced the elevation of the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, China is willing to work with Equatorial Guinea to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote traditional friendly relations, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continue to enhance the well-being of the two peoples, Li said.
Li noted that China will continue to firmly support Equatorial Guinea in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and in exploring a development path that suits its own national conditions.
The two sides enjoy complementary advantages and enormous cooperation potential, Li said, adding that China is willing to strengthen strategic alignment with Equatorial Guinea, work on existing cooperation projects in infrastructure construction and other areas, and expand cooperation in such sectors as marine economy, green economy, and agricultural development.
China encourages its enterprises with strong ability and reputation to invest and do business in Equatorial Guinea, to explore new cooperation patterns such as public-private partnerships and integration of investment, construction and operation, providing more assistance for Equatorial Guinea’s industrialization, Li said.
The premier said that China is willing to further promote exchanges and cooperation with Equatorial Guinea in such areas as healthcare, education, culture and tourism, and improve the friendship between the two peoples. Both sides should work together to uphold international fairness and justice, and steadfastly safeguard the common interests of the Global South, he added.
For his part, Obiang noted the cooperation between the two countries has always been based on mutual respect and equal dialogue. Equatorial Guinea appreciates China’s support for its economic and social development, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China to achieve its “Equatorial Guinea Agenda 2035.” Chinese enterprises are welcomed to invest and do business in Equatorial Guinea, Obiang stressed.
Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, said Obiang, adding that Equatorial Guinea firmly supports the one-China principle and China’s complete reunification, and resolutely opposes any form of “Taiwan independence” activities.
Xi says China and Equatorial Guinea are good friends and partners
MALABO, May 29 (Xinhua) — China and Equatorial Guinea are good friends and partners, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday during his talks with Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, president of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, in Beijing.
Since establishing diplomatic relations 54 years ago, China and Equatorial Guinea have been helping each other through thick and thin, and maintained friendly cooperation and exchanges in various fields, yielding fruitful results.
HOPE PRIMARY SCHOOL
The friendship between both peoples has also strengthened. During talks with President Obiang in Beijing, President Xi expressed appreciation for the kindness the Equatorial Guinea people have shown to the Chinese.
“We will always remember your kindness to the people in the Wenchuan earthquake disaster area and your donation to the construction of Hope Primary School in Jinping County, Yunnan Province,” Xi said.
“Such mutual support between the two countries is a vivid illustration of the sincere friendship and joint development between China and African countries,” he added.
In April 2015, President Obiang announced during his visit to China that Equatorial Guinea would donate a school in Jinping County in China’s southwestern Yunnan Province as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity with the Chinese people.
The construction of the China-Equatorial Guinea Friendship Primary School was completed in 2016, and it has since stood as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
“The children found themselves in spacious and bright classrooms within a five-story building, and the once muddy hillside was transformed into a well-built playground,” said Ran Hongyan, the school’s principal.
Ran added that the school, which now accommodates over 2,000 students from 16 different ethnic groups, has a special exhibition room to display the children’s photographs, crafts and paintings about the friendship between the two countries.
“Our teachers would tell us about the history and friendship between our school and Equatorial Guinea,” said fifth-grader Ma Ziyi.
“Talent is the future,” Obiang told Xinhua in a recent interview before his China trip, expressing his satisfaction with the children’s education and the school’s facilities. “In this regard, we share a profound consensus with China, and that is precisely why we donated this elementary school.”
SEEDS OF FRIENDSHIP
Since 1977, China has been accepting students from Equatorial Guinea, which has helped strengthen cultural exchanges between the two nations. In order to deepen educational cooperation and foster mutual understanding, the two countries decided in a joint statement on the establishment of an all-round partnership of cooperation in April 2015 that China will “continue to provide government scholarships to Equatorial Guinea” and the two countries will run a Confucius Institute at the National University of Equatorial Guinea.
Milagrosa Ada Micha, an Equatorial Guinean beneficiary of a Chinese scholarship, pursued her university studies in China. While at the University of International Business and Economics, she established a magazine named “Real Equatorial Guinea,” which served as a platform for introducing her country to classmates and teachers in Chinese, English and Spanish.
After she returned to Equatorial Guinea, the magazine became an official media outlet showcasing news about both countries. Later, she launched an electronic version with daily updates and more diverse content, including increased news coverage about China.
Ada Micha not only acquired professional knowledge but also learned about the self-discipline, diligence, and wisdom of the Chinese people. “China is my second homeland. What I saw and learned in China changed my life,” she said. “I hope more young people can learn about China, the country of the future.”
In January 2016, the Confucius Institute was established at the National University of Equatorial Guinea, providing young people like Ada Micha with more opportunities to learn about Chinese culture. “When I was a child, Chinese people came to our village to teach farming techniques,” said Jose Antonio Nguema, a 21-year-old student. “They were very friendly and taught me to say ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ in Chinese.”
Since then, a “seed of friendship was sown in my heart,” Nguema said. Upon entering university, Nguema was delighted to find a Confucius Institute on campus and eagerly enrolled in Chinese classes. “I have traveled to China twice through the ‘Chinese Bridge’ program. To me, China represents the future,” he said. “After graduation, I hope to pursue further studies in China, focusing on education.”
“The cooperation between the two countries promotes cultural exchanges, enhancing mutual understanding,” said Fernando Garcia, the Equatorial Guinean director of the Confucius Institute at the National University of Equatorial Guinea. “I believe the bridge of cultural exchange between the two countries will become wider, bringing the hearts of the people closer together.”
FRIENDSHIP OF MUTUAL SUPPORT
Over the decade, China has also been helping the African country with its development, particularly in infrastructure.
A tall, silver-white building with an arched roof stands on the northern coast of Bioko Island, where the country’s capital city of Malabo is situated. As travelers disembark, tourists raise their phones to snap pictures of the impressive new terminal of Malabo International Airport.
Constructed by a Chinese enterprise, the airport was inaugurated in May 2022. “This airport has given us a new vision and is our pride,” said a resident, Maria. Maria, who did not give her full name, said the old airport was small and outdated, providing a subpar experience for international visitors. The new airport is modern and beautiful, emerging as a shining symbol of the country.
“Many of our infrastructure projects are undertaken by Chinese companies, and we are very reassured,” said Alejandro Micha Nsue, director of the National Office of Project Planning and Monitoring Project of Equatorial Guinea.
The country’s former Prime Minister Francisco Pascual Obama Asue said that through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, China has implemented a series of projects that fosters the development of African countries.
In a small restaurant north of Bata city, 50-year-old owner Constancia Ondo retrieved a cold beer from the fridge and brought it to a customer’s table. A stable electricity supply and a functioning refrigerator were once luxuries for her but are now routine. Ondo said that she and many residents have benefited from the construction of the Djibloho Hydropower Station.
In Centro Sur Province, the Wele River rushes forth from the dam of the hydropower station, creating a deafening roar as it cascades down. Built by a Chinese enterprise, the station is the largest hydropower facility in Equatorial Guinea, supplying 90 percent of the electricity for the continental region. Its operation marked the end of an era when streetlights did not work, and every household relied on a generator.
“With China’s help, our national construction is displaying Equatorial Guinea features, which means closely linking national development with people’s well-being,” said Micha Nsue. Cooperating with China has given Equatorial Guinea and Africa hope and ambition for unity and revitalization.
China has launched the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernization and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development, which are effective ways for African countries to address development challenges and can genuinely help African countries develop, Obiang said.
Looking back over more than half a century since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Equatorial Guinea have always treated each other as equals, respected each other and supported each other, creating a model of South-South cooperation.
Looking ahead, China and Equatorial Guinea will join forces with other African countries to contribute even more to building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
“I appreciate President Xi Jinping’s initiative to help African countries,” said Obiang. “I believe it is the most effective way for Africa to overcome all the difficulties it faces today.”
Chinese medical team renews longstanding friendship between China, Equatorial Guinea
MALABO, May 29 (Xinhua) — “When I grow up, I want to be a doctor and to heal and save lives like you,” said 14-year-old Benjamin during a follow-up examination with Liu Anwen, a doctor from the 33rd batch of Chinese medical team in Equatorial Guinea.
Just over a month ago, Benjamin was preparing to take his entrance exam for junior high school when he developed a painful hernia. His father, Juan, was deeply concerned. Upon hearing about the exceptional medical skills of Chinese doctors, Juan took Benjamin to Malabo Regional Hospital, where they work.
Although Chinese doctors do not charge for consultations, the hospital fee of 200,000 CFA francs (about 331 U.S. dollars) proved a substantial hurdle for Juan. He could only gather half of the amount. Learning this, Liu and other colleagues from the Chinese medical team personally covered Benjamin’s medical expenses and performed a laparoscopic surgery on him.
Benjamin was discharged the next day and able to move freely. He passed his entrance exam days later. “The Chinese doctors are wonderful, and I am very grateful!” he said.
Reynolds Ondoua Trillo, technical director of Malabo Regional Hospital, said the Chinese doctors introduced techniques like laparoscopy and venipuncture that were unavailable locally. “They patiently and thoroughly teach these techniques to local doctors,” said Trillo.
“Previously, we often felt that we couldn’t treat certain patients — they needed to be transferred to another hospital,” said Diosdado Batapa, an anesthesiologist from the hospital, “but after training by Chinese doctors, my colleagues and I can independently handle more cases, and we are more confident in treating patients.”
Since 1971, China has dispatched 33 medical teams to Equatorial Guinea, comprising over 600 personnel.
The Chinese medical team has garnered recognition and praise from the Equatorial Guinean people for their benevolence and expertise.
Interview: Cooperation with China fruitful, says Equatorial Guinean official
MALABO, May 30 (Xinhua) — Equatorial Guinea’s cooperation with China is fruitful, with an upward momentum that can help the country improve in all aspects and bring about more changes, an Equatorial Guinean official has said.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Alejandro Micha Nsue, president of the National Office of Planning and Project Monitoring of Equatorial Guinea, recalled that Chinese companies arrived in his country during his childhood to construct the Nkue-Mongomo road.
“Today, if we talk about the development of transportation infrastructure, including roads, ports, and airports, Chinese companies have been deeply involved,” Nsue said.
Over the past half a century since China and Equatorial Guinea established diplomatic ties in 1970, Chinese enterprises have constructed hydroelectric power stations, airports, roads, and housing projects, serving as the foundation for the country’s development and progress.
Nsue praised such cooperation projects as the new terminal at Malabo International Airport and the new national university campus. “Equatorial Guinea’s characteristics are being shaped through its cooperation with China,” he said.
In Nsue’s view, the cooperation between China and Equatorial Guinea is “sincere.”
“The countries that colonized Africa exploited and plundered it, taking away all its resources and leaving the countries in ruins,” said the official, adding that in contrast, “China’s cooperation is different.”
Cooperation with China has brought “substantial changes” to many African countries, ranging from infrastructure development, industrial growth to the promotion of talent cultivation, he said.
Deeply impressed by China’s modernization, Nsue expressed his belief that by leveraging its workforce and modernization expertise, China can help Africa and Equatorial Guinea a lot.
“China has a highly skilled talent pool,” Nsue said, voicing his desire for enhanced collaboration in talent cultivation between the two countries.
