Ethiopia Reaffirms One-China Principle as Nations Deepen Political, Economic, and Regional Collaboration
Addis Ababa, January 9, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors, advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and further strengthen their all-weather strategic partnership, according to a joint statement issued today following talks between the foreign ministers of the two countries.
The statement was released after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Ethiopia from January 7 to 9, 2026, during which he held discussions with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos.
According to the statement, both sides pledged to advance the implementation of FOCAC agreements, consolidate all-round cooperation, and build the China–Ethiopia all-weather strategic partnership as a model for an all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future for a new era.
The two sides also discussed expanding cooperation in traditional sectors, including economy, trade, infrastructure, energy, transportation and justice, while also tapping new opportunities in e-commerce, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and green energy. In addition, they expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in culture, tourism, media, education and think tanks, and agreed to use the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to further strengthen bonds through cultural and artistic cooperation.
The Chinese side commended Ethiopia’s recent national development achievements and reaffirmed its strong support for the Ethiopian people in pursuing a development path suited to national conditions while opposing external interference. Both sides expressed readiness to enhance coordination on development policies, promote exchanges on governance experience and work together on the path to modernization.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, reiterating that there is only one China and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. It emphasized that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing China, expressed firm opposition to all forms of “Taiwan independence,” and voiced strong support for China’s efforts toward national reunification while upholding UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
The statement also noted that China attaches great importance to Ethiopia’s role in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia commended the results achieved under China’s Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa. In this regard, both sides emphasized respect for the UN Charter, international law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region. The Chinese side expressed readiness to encourage regional states to deepen cooperation in connectivity and African integration, including supporting maritime logistics and access to the sea through dialogue and diplomatic means to promote peace, stability and prosperity.
Both countries also highlighted their effective coordination and cooperation in multilateral platforms including the United Nations and BRICS, reaffirming their strong defense of the common interests of the Global South. Ethiopia expressed high appreciation for major global initiatives and proposals put forward by President Xi Jinping and pledged to work with China on their implementation.
Furthermore, the two sides reaffirmed that all countries must adhere to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose the use or threat of force in international relations.
They also agreed to convene a new round of political consultations between their foreign ministries during the year.