Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The National Assembly has reaffirmed The Gambia’s diplomatic position on China following the adoption of a motion tabled by the member for Lower Saloum, Hon. Sainey Jawara.
Presenting the motion during a parliamentary sitting, Hon. Jawara urged lawmakers to adopt and strengthen parliamentary diplomacy in line with the One-China Policy, which recognizes the government of the People’s Republic of China as the only legitimate government representing China and considers Taiwan part of its territory.
Jawara told lawmakers that the policy is grounded in international law and supported by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, which recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the legitimate representative of China at the United Nations.
History of Diplomatic Relations
The Lower Saloum lawmaker highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relationship between The Gambia and China, noting that ties were first established in 1974, nine years after the country gained independence.
He explained that diplomatic relations were suspended between 1995 and 2013 when The Gambia maintained ties with Taiwan, before relations with Beijing were formally restored on March 17, 2016.
Since the restoration of diplomatic ties, Jawara said cooperation between the two countries has expanded across several sectors, including education, infrastructure, agriculture, and health.
According to him, more than 400 Gambian students have received scholarships to study in China since 2016, contributing to national development and strengthening the country’s human resource capacity.
Jawara also pointed to China’s support to the National Assembly, including the provision of laptops, photocopiers, and printers to enhance the institution’s parliamentary work.
Lawmakers Back Motion
Seconding the motion, the deputy majority leader and member for Old Yundum described China as a strong development partner to The Gambia, noting that strengthening relations with Beijing would bring further benefits to the country.
During the debate, the member for Niamina Dankunku clarified that the motion does not introduce a new policy but rather aligns the National Assembly with the position already adopted by the Executive branch of government.
He described China as an important global partner and observed that many countries are strengthening their relations with the Asian nation in pursuit of development and economic cooperation.
Following the debate, the Speaker put the motion to a voice vote, with the majority of lawmakers voting in favor.
The decision formally reaffirms the National Assembly’s support for The Gambia’s diplomatic position, recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.
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