13 Jul 2026

Botswana has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with China as leaders from both countries reflected on the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) 105-year journey and the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Speaking during the Symposium of Political Parties Exchange and cooperation marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China in Gaborone, Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, described China’s development as one of the most remarkable transformations in modern history.

Mr Mohwasa said China’s rise from poverty to becoming the world’s second-largest economy offered valuable lessons for developing countries pursuing sustainable economic growth and political stability.

“China’s history is worth learning from,” he said, noting that while Botswana and China had followed different historical and political paths, China’s experience demonstrated the importance of strategic planning, patience and long-term national development.

He outlined the major stages of China’s modern development, including the founding of the China in 1949, the country’s early nation-building efforts, the Great Leap Forward, the Cultural Revolution and the economic reforms introduced in 1978. Each period has shaped China’s current development model by providing important lessons for future generations, Mr Mohwasa said.

He explained that successful development required governments to align reforms with prevailing economic conditions rather than relying solely on ideology.

He also pointed to China’s adoption of a socialist market economy, saying the combination of market mechanisms with strong state leadership had contributed significantly to rapid industrialisation, technological advancement and the lifting of hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.

While acknowledging China’s achievements, Mr Mohwasa noted that the country’s leaders had continued to recognise challenges such as inequality, unemployment and corruption, saying these were issues all developing nations must confront through effective governance.

Turning to Botswana-China relations, he described the partnership as one built on mutual respect and practical cooperation.

Botswana, he said, studied China’s development experience not to replicate its political or economic system but to understand the importance of disciplined planning, self-assessment and consistent implementation of long-term national goals.

Quoting former Chinese leader Mao Zedong’s famous words, “Let a thousand flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend,” Mr  Mohwasa called for continued dialogue and the exchange of ideas among nations.

He extended Botswana’s congratulations to the Communist Party of China, expressing confidence that the friendship and cooperation between the two countries would continue to flourish. China’s ambassador to Botswana, Mr Fan Yong, described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the CPC’s history, China’s development journey and the longstanding friendship between China and Botswana.

“This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China,” he said, saying “it is a moment to trace the extraordinary journey of the CPC, reflect on the remarkable strides made by the Chinese people, reaffirm the lasting friendship with Botswana and look ahead with confidence to a future of shared prosperity and closer collaboration.”

Mr Fan said that since its establishment in 1921, the CPC had remained committed to improving the lives of the Chinese people and advancing national rejuvenation, crediting the party’s leadership for transforming China into the world’s second-largest economy and a global leader in innovation.

“I am often asked what is the secret behind the China miracle, my answer always remains the same, it is the leadership of the Communist Party of China,” he said.

He outlined what he described as the key principles underpinning China’s modernisation, including maintaining strategic direction, adopting a people-centred approach, pursuing long-term development planning and strengthening party governance through continuous self-reform.

He said China’s development path had evolved through decades of practice, combining Marxist principles with China’s national realities and traditional culture.

Mr Fan also highlighted Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guiding framework for modern governance that sought to improve people’s livelihoods while strengthening party leadership and discipline.

The CPC’s governance philosophy places emphasis on promoting social equity, combating corruption and ensuring that development benefits all citizens.  On bilateral relations, Mr Fan said that Botswana and China had enjoyed more than five decades of diplomatic relations founded on mutual respect, equality and sincere cooperation.

He emphasised the role of political parties in promoting national development and said stronger exchanges between the CPC and Botswana’s political parties would deepen mutual understanding and facilitate the sharing of governance experiences.

“The CPC stands ready to join hands with Botswana’s political parties, enhancing high-level strategic dialogue and deepening exchanges on governance and best practices, propelling the China-Botswana strategic partnership toward even greater achievements,” said Mr Fan. The symposium of political parties exchanges and cooperation had brought together different party leaders in Botswana. ENDS