On May 18 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Foreign Minister Barry Faure of Seychelles in Beijing.

Wang Yi stated that Seychelles is a reliable good friend and partner of China in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Guided by the heads of state of the two countries, China-Seychelles relations have maintained sound momentum of development. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Seychelles. Over the past five decades, the two countries have stood side by side through ups and downs, firmly backed each other on issues bearing on core interests, and rendered sincere assistance to each other in national development and economic advancement. The bilateral friendship has stood firm amid evolving international and regional dynamics.

Wang Yi noted that recently, the Government of Seychelles, together with the governments of several friendly countries, has revoked the flight approval for Lai Ching-te, a leading figure of the “Taiwan independence” forces in accordance with laws and regulations in an open and transparent manner. The Seychellois side has also issued an official statement to publicly state its solemn commitment to the one-China principle, which is highly appreciated by China. The one-China principle has long been an international consensus, and the authority of UNGA Resolution 2758 is beyond doubt. China will achieve national reunification and Taiwan will inevitably return to the embrace of the motherland. We are convinced that more and more countries will follow Seychelles in upholding international justice and standing on the right side of history.

Wang Yi said that China stands ready to work with Seychelles to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to advance bilateral cooperation in digital economy, marine economy, island economy, green economy and other fields, energize the China-Seychelles strategic partnership and elevate it to new heights. Seychelles is an important member of Africa, and China-Africa relations have entered a new stage of an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. Capitalizing on the zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China across the board announced by President Xi Jinping, China stands ready to offer more development opportunities for African countries including Seychelles.

Wang Yi emphasized that China has always held the view that every nation, regardless of size, is an equal member of the international community. China-Seychelles relations exemplify the model of equal treatment, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries regardless of size. China will continue to firmly support Seychelles in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and legitimate rights and interests, and support Seychelles in playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs. China stands ready to work with Seychelles to uphold multilateralism, improve global governance and promote common development and prosperity.

Barry Faure said that Seychelles-China friendship stretches back a long way and the two countries are genuine friends. Over the past 50 years since diplomatic relations were established, China has always treated Seychelles on an equal footing and offered vital support for its economic and social development, for which Seychelles is deeply grateful. Seychelles reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the one-China policy, a position that has weathered profound international changes and will never be shaken. Seychelles supports the four major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and commends China for granting zero-tariff treatment to all African countries having diplomatic relations with it. Seychelles hopes to fully harness the benefits brought by this policy to deliver more tangible benefits to its people. Taking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties as a chance, Seychelles is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen pragmatic cooperation in blue economy, tourism, public health, environmental protection, climate change, energy and infrastructure construction, enhance people-to-people exchanges, jointly champion multilateralism and strive for further growth of Seychelles-China strategic partnership.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.