China and Lesotho have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their strategic partnership to a higher level, charting a course for deeper cooperation across governance, trade, infrastructure, and multilateral engagement. The announcement followed a series of high-level meetings in Maseru between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Lesotho’s senior government officials on January 10, 2026.
During the discussions, Wang and Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lejone Mpotjoana emphasised the shared achievements in bilateral relations and outlined plans to strengthen strategic mutual trust, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and deepen practical cooperation across sectors including trade, investment, industrial development and governance experience. The two sides also stressed their support for each other on issues involving core national interests and major concerns.
Wang reiterated China’s willingness to accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African exports – including products from Lesotho, to facilitate broader access to Chinese markets and support national development goals. Lesotho welcomed this move, highlighting the positive impact such policies could have on its economic revitalisation and export diversification.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to multilateralism and collective global governance. Lesotho reaffirmed its firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed readiness to collaborate with China on international platforms such as BRICS, reinforcing solidarity on issues of peace, security and sustainable development. Both parties also agreed to oppose unilateralism and the politicisation of sensitive global topics, advocating for cooperation based on mutual respect and equality.
China and Lesotho’s strategic ties have been steadily strengthened through a series of initiatives and high-level dialogues over the years. The relationship elevated to a strategic partnership following discussions between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Lesotho’s Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane at the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit.
China has demonstrated its long-term support for Lesotho’s development through tangible contributions. In late 2025, the Chinese Embassy handed over 148 units of agricultural machinery and equipment worth 36 million Maloti to Lesotho under an aid agreement – an example of practical cooperation that supports local livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
Under the umbrella of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), both countries have advanced the 10 partnership action plans established at the 2024 Beijing Summit, translating strategic objectives into concrete outcomes that bolster Lesotho’s development and regional connectivity.
China-Lesotho relations exemplify a broader pattern of China’s engagement with smaller African states, one that goes beyond conventional diplomacy to foster inclusive, mutually beneficial cooperation. Lesotho’s active support for China’s global initiatives on development, security and cultural exchange reflects a shared vision for collective advancement and global equity, aligned with the priorities of the Global South.
As both nations prepare for new collaborative projects in 2026 and beyond, their strategic partnership is positioned to deliver deeper economic integration, strengthen institutional ties, and support sustainable development trajectories that benefit citizens in Maseru and beyond.
