China has reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and strengthening relations with Lesotho, while urging local media to respect its sovereignty claims over Taiwan. This statement was made by Chinese Ambassador to Lesotho, Yang Xiaokun, during a meeting with local media in Maseru to mark the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) seat at the United Nations (UN).
The anniversary commemorates the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 on October 25, 1971, which restored the PRC’s rights at the UN and recognised its representatives as the sole legitimate representatives of China. This resolution was a landmark decision that brought a quarter of the world’s population back to the UN. China has since played an active role in the organisation, promoting President Xi Jinping’s vision of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Ambassador Yang highlighted China’s contributions to international development and peace efforts, including the establishment of the Group of Friends for Peace on Ukraine. China’s Global Development Initiative has mobilised over $23 billion, supported more than 1,800 cooperation projects, and delivered over 10,000 capacity-building programmes. Additionally, China has facilitated the training of more than 200,000 professionals from developing countries.
China has also fully implemented zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, a measure from which Lesotho is expected to benefit. This initiative aims to promote economic cooperation and development between China and African countries. Ambassador Yang emphasised the importance of China’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and national rights while upholding the outcomes of the Second World War and the post-war international order.
Regarding Taiwan, Ambassador Yang stated that the island has been Chinese territory since ancient times and that its return to Chinese control in 1945 followed the Allied victory in the Second World War. The Chinese government announced on October 25, 1945, that it was resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Taiwan, following Japan’s surrender. This date is now observed as the Commemoration Day of Taiwan’s Restoration.
Ambassador Yang praised Lesotho’s position on the Taiwan issue, citing a joint communiqué issued by the two governments in January and recent remarks by former Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoane. Lesotho has reaffirmed that there is one China, that Taiwan is part of China, and that the PRC government is the sole legal government representing the whole country. He urged local media to uphold the one-China principle in their reporting and commentary.
The Chinese Embassy will continue to support local media and promote coverage of friendship and cooperation between China and Lesotho. Ambassador Yang emphasised that respect for the one-China principle is essential to the political foundation of China-Lesotho relations. He encouraged local media to refrain from describing Taiwan as a country or providing a platform for “Taiwan independence” rhetoric.
Key points
- China reaffirms commitment to multilateralism and strengthening ties with Lesotho.
- China urges local media to respect its sovereignty claims over Taiwan.
- China and Lesotho enjoy strong diplomatic relations, with Lesotho reaffirming the one-China principle.
