By Fatou Krubally
The National Assembly of The Gambia on Wednesday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the One‑China Policy by adopting a motion highlighting The Gambia’s longstanding diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
The motion, tabled by Sainey Jawara, Member for Lower Saloum, called on the Assembly to align parliamentary diplomacy with the One-China principle, which recognises China as a single sovereign state and regards Taiwan as part of its territory.
Moving the motion, Jawara recalled that formal diplomatic relations between The Gambia and China were first established in 1974, nine years after the country gained independence. He noted that relations were suspended between 1995 and 2013, when The Gambia resumed diplomatic engagement with Taiwan, before ties with China were fully restored in 2016.
He added that bilateral relations have since strengthened, culminating in the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership in 2024.
The motion highlighted decades of cooperation between the two countries in areas such as politics, trade, education, culture and infrastructure development. It cited Chinese technical assistance in rural development and health services, as well as scholarship opportunities for Gambian students to study in China.
The Assembly has also benefited from parliamentary support, including the provision of laptops and printers to enhance legislative efficiency and research capacity.
Meanwhile, lawmakers also adopted seven committee reports covering studies on agriculture, regional governance and human rights, reflecting the legislature’s continued engagement in national and regional development.
Parliamentarians said the adoption of the motion reinforces The Gambia’s alignment with international diplomatic norms while strengthening bilateral cooperation with China.
They noted that reaffirming the One-China Policy would further promote political trust, economic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two countries.
