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China–Namibia relations
Bilateral relations From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Governmental relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Namibia (Chinese: 中纳关系) were first established the day after Namibia's independence, but relations with Namibian independence movements date back to the 1960s.
Before Namibian independence
Xinhua News described that "The friendship between China and Namibia was forged long before their establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990, dating back to the 1960s when China gave full support to Namibia's struggle for national independence led by the South West Africa People's Organisation Party, which has since then become a close friend of the Communist Party of China."[1] Because of this the Namibians leaders will mention the contribution of Chinese people of aiming the independence of Namibia every year on Independence Day of Namibia.[1]
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Since Namibian independence
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From 1989 to 1990, China sent 20 personnel to Namibia to help monitors its elections; this was China's first involvement in United Nations peacekeeping efforts in Africa.[2]: 205
Namibia and the PRC established relations on 22 March 1990, which was the day after Namibia's independence.[3] The government of Namibia adheres to the One-China policy.[4]
In 2018, China and Namibia formed a comprehensive strategic partnership.[5]: 211 General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping and President of Namibia Hage Geingob met in Beijing in 29th March 2018.[6]
Namibia was among the African countries which expressed support for the Chinese government during the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests.[2]: 41 In January 2020, Namibia's land reform minister stated that Namibia fully supports Chinese territorial integrity and sovereignty, including with respect to Hong Kong.[2]: 41
Economic relations
China and Namibia have developed close economic relations, with trade increasing two-fold between the two countries from 2003 to 2006.
Namibia is a major destination for Chinese investment in uranium mining.[7]: 205 Chinese companies have invested in Namibia's three biggest uranium producers: Husab, Langer Heinrich, and Rössing.[7]: 205
Chinese development finance to Namibia
From 2000 to 2011, there are approximately 64 Chinese official development finance projects identified in Namibia through various media reports.[8] During a February 2007 visit, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Hu Jintao pledged Namibia "RMB 1 billion of concessional loans, 100 million US dollars of preferential export buyer's credit, RMB 30 million yuan of grants and RMB 30 million of interest-free loans..."[3] In November 2005, Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohama and Chinese Communist Party Politburo member Li Changchun witnessed the signing of a 250 million Yuan concessional loan by Export-Import Bank of China to be used for purchasing locomotives and trains for a new railway being built in northern Namibia.[9]
Migration
A large number of Chinese are estimated to have taken up residence in Namibia since independence. In 2006, their number was estimated at 40,000.[10]
An Yue Jiang scandal
In April 2008, a weapons shipment on the An Yue Jiang sailed from China and originally planned to dock at the South African port of Durban and unload its cargo for shipment to landlocked Zimbabwe. However, there were widespread protests by persons concerned that the arms would be used by Robert Mugabe's regime in suppressing political opposition in the wake of disputed Zimbabwean presidential election which had taken place a month earlier. Seeking a destination for the ship, it was rumored that it would port on Namibia's coast at Walvis Bay. On 24 April 2008, a protest took place in Namibia's capital of Windhoek, where two hundred protesters marched from a Zoo Park in central Windhoek to the Chinese embassy.[11] Among those leading the protesters were bishop and SWAPO politician Zephania Kameeta and the Legal Assistance Centre. The ship did not port in Namibia.[11]
Medical help
From 1996, China sent 15 medical teams to Namibia. They have been providing traditional Chinese medicine therapies to approximately 10,000 Namibians each year. In COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first country which provided COVID-19 vaccination to Namibia.[1]
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Space cooperation
Namibia and China also jointly operate the China Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Station which was established in 2001 in Swakopmund, Namibia.[2]: 304 This station tracks Chinese satellites and space missions.[2]: 304
Extradition
China has an extradition treaty with Namibia.[2]
Diplomatic staff
- Elia Kaiyamo, Namibia's ambassador to China (2016–2025)[12]
- Tonata Gebhard, Namibia's ambassador to China (2025–)[13]
See also
Bibliography
- Cardenal, Juan Pablo; Araújo, Heriberto (2011). La silenciosa conquista china (in Spanish). Barcelona: Crítica. pp. 282–283. ISBN 9788498922578.
References
External links
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