The 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was celebrated in Libreville, Gabon, on September 29, 2026. The event, held at the Hotel Boulevard, brought together officials from both countries to reflect on the state of their bilateral relations. According to the Gabon Press Agency, the celebration was an opportunity to showcase the strong ties between Gabon and China and explore ways to enhance their cooperation. The Chinese side highlighted the progress made in implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan, which focuses on innovation, quality, and stable economic growth.
The Chinese government has reiterated its commitment to promoting international cooperation aimed at shared development. This approach is in line with China's recent economic rapprochement with the African continent. Since May 2026, China has applied a zero-tariff policy on products from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. This measure aims to boost trade and open up the Chinese market to African productions. The policy change is expected to have a positive impact on African economies and strengthen China-Africa ties.
Gabon and China are celebrating 52 years of diplomatic relations this year. In 2025, the volume of trade between the two countries reached $3.19 billion, an 8.3% increase from the previous year. The trade balance remained favorable to Gabon. The growth in trade between the two countries is a testament to the strengthening of their economic ties. China has become one of Gabon's key trading partners, and the two countries are exploring ways to further increase their trade.
The cooperation between Gabon and China extends beyond trade to include several development projects. The renovation of the Senate Palace has been completed, while work continues on the construction of the multipurpose building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Oyem Hospital, and the Kango Agricultural Techniques Dissemination Base. In July 2026, the Gabonese President visited the Oyem road rehabilitation site, which is being carried out by a Chinese company. These projects demonstrate the scope of China-Gabon cooperation in various sectors.
China and Gabon are also strengthening their human and cultural exchanges. Nearly 600 Gabonese nationals have benefited from training programs in China this year as part of the "2026 China-Africa Human and Cultural Exchanges Year." China plans to continue this momentum with Libreville in the new five-year plan, focusing on the opportunities offered by its new development plan and increased market openness to African products. The two countries are committed to deepening their people-to-people exchanges.
The 77th anniversary celebration of the People's Republic of China in Libreville has reaffirmed the commitment of Gabon and China to strengthen their cooperation in various fields. The two countries have a strong foundation for cooperation, with a long history of diplomatic relations and growing trade ties. As China continues to implement its 15th Five-Year Plan, it is expected that the cooperation between Gabon and China will continue to grow, benefiting both countries.
The reaffirmation of cooperation between Gabon and China is a positive development for both countries. The two nations have a shared interest in strengthening their economic ties and promoting development. With a growing trade relationship and increasing cooperation in various sectors, Gabon and China are poised to take their bilateral relations to the next level.
Key points
- - The 77th anniversary of the People's Republic of China was celebrated in Libreville, Gabon, on September 29, 2026. - Gabon and China have reaffirmed their cooperation, highlighting the vitality of their bilateral relations and prospects for strengthened cooperation. - The two countries are celebrating 52 years of diplomatic relations this year, with trade between them reaching $3.19 billion in 2025.
