Ethiopia-China All-Weather Partnership Bolsters Political Trust, Trade, and Multilateral Engagement – Diplomat

Addis Ababa, November 2, 2025 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s strategic partnership with China continues to deepen, reinforcing political trust, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing the country’s role in global and multilateral forums, according to Chinese Embassy Charge d’Affaires in Addis Ababa, Mr. Sun Mingxi.

In an exclusive interview with Fana Media Corporation, Mr. Sun noted that Ethiopia is the first African country to establish an All-Weather Strategic Partnership with China, a milestone reflecting the strong political ties and high-level exchanges between the two nations.

“High-level state visits have been frequent over the past two years, and the mutual political trust continues to deepen,” Mr. Sun said. He highlighted Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s October 2023 visit to Beijing, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping elevated their countries’ ties to an All-Weather Strategic Partnership.

Mr. Mingxi also recalled the meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Abiy during the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro in July 2025, describing them as key moments in expanding pragmatic cooperation across economic, infrastructure, and digital sectors.

Since his arrival in Addis Ababa four months ago, Mr. Sun said, the embassy has hosted numerous Chinese delegations, including two ministers—the Minister of Industry and Telecommunication, and the Minister of Science and Technology—another influential leader from the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), and many provincial leaders visiting Ethiopia. “I have seen this great opportunity for future cooperation,” he added.

The diplomat emphasized Ethiopia’s growing global presence through its membership in BRICS, calling it a milestone that allows Ethiopia to participate more actively in global governance while enhancing the representativeness of the Global South.

He cited the Xiamen–Addis–Sao Paulo cargo route as a practical example of bilateral trade and logistics coordination, noting it has facilitated over 750 million USD in trade through nearly 600 flights since its launch.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s active role in emerging global initiatives, Mr. Sun said: “We are looking forward to the early ratification of the convention to the International Organization for Mediation, so that Ethiopia could play a full role in this new organization.”

He also mentioned, “In July, Chinese Premier Li Qiang proposed to establish a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, and we have sent invitation to Ethiopia, and we want that Ethiopia could work with us in building this new organization that will make contribution to the global governance of this new era.”

On multilateral cooperation, he emphasized: “China and Ethiopia are coordinating closely in platforms such as the United Nations, BRICS, and the African Union, advocating for economic globalization, free trade, and multilateralism, while opposing unilateralism, protectionism, and global conflicts.”

“Ethiopia enjoys a unique position in Africa, and its partnership with China continues to open opportunities for advancing trade, investment, infrastructure, and multilateral cooperation,” Mr. Sun said, underscoring the strategic significance of the All-Weather Strategic Partnership for Ethiopia’s regional and global influence.