He told lawmakers that the policy recognises that there is only one China in the world, with the government of the People’s Republic of China acknowledged as the sole legitimate government representing all of China, while Taiwan is recognised as a part of China’s territory.
Hon Jawara reminded the Assembly that diplomatic relations between The Gambia and China date back to 1974, just nine years after the country gained independence. Since then, he said, the two countries have maintained a relationship based on mutual respect, solidarity and cooperation.
He explained that the One China principle is grounded in international law, including the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, and aligns The Gambia with the majority of countries around the world that recognise the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate government of China.
According to him, the policy promotes regional stability while strengthening global economic cooperation and international relations.
Over the decades, Jawara said cooperation between The Gambia and China has expanded across several areas including political, economic, cultural, educational and infrastructure development.
He recalled China’s support to The Gambia in the 1980s under the leadership of the country’s first president, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara. During that period, he said, China provided technical assistance to rural development, introduced rice production techniques and supported healthcare development in rural areas.
The lawmaker also explained that relations between the two countries were suspended in 1995 when the government at the time resumed diplomatic ties with Taiwan. That situation continued until November 2013.
Diplomatic ties between The Gambia and China were later restored on 17 March 2016 when the two countries signed a joint communique.
Jawara further noted that the relationship between the two nations has continued to grow, reaching what he described as a strategic partnership in September 2024.
He said President Adama Barrow’s participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation further strengthened bilateral relations.
According to him, since the restoration of diplomatic ties, more than 400 Gambian students have received scholarships to study in China, contributing to national development and reform across various sectors.
He also highlighted China’s support to the National Assembly itself during the fifth legislature in 2018 when the Chinese government provided equipment including laptops, photocopiers and printers to improve the Assembly’s work.
Before concluding, Jawara reminded the chamber that on January 6, 2016, The Gambia and China signed a grant assistance agreement worth 100 million Chinese Yuan to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
The motion was seconded by the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Abdoulie Ceesay, who praised China as a long-standing partner to The Gambia and said the country has continued to support national development.
The assembly considered The Gambia’s reaffirmation of the One China policy.
