China-Botswana ties 'shine like diamonds' as a new chapter opens

For decades, diamonds have shone as the glittering emblem of Botswana.

For China and Botswana, the precious stone offers a fitting metaphor for a friendship that has endured across decades.

Chinese President Xi Jinping invoked that image during his meeting with Botswana's President Duma Gideon Boko in Beijing, saying the two countries' friendship should "shine bright and endure like diamonds." As both sides look toward a new stage of cooperation and their shared journey toward modernization, the enduring value of their partnership lies in both the opportunities diamonds represent and the possibilities beyond.

A stronger strategic partnership During their meeting on Tuesday, Xi and Boko agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Xi called for deeper economic and trade cooperation, urging both sides to seize opportunities under China's zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties with China.

He also highlighted potential cooperation in the digital economy, agriculture and education.

Boko welcomed greater Chinese investment and closer cooperation in industry, agriculture, mining, innovation and digital transformation.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents covering areas like the Belt and Road Initiative, green mining, health and human resources.

Wang Yiwei, a professor at the School of International Studies at Renmin University of China, described the development as a milestone in bilateral ties.

He said the expanded partnership creates room for cooperation beyond traditional trade and resource development while reflecting the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and African countries based on their respective national conditions.

Diamonds: Turning resource wealth into lasting value Diamonds have long been a cornerstone of Botswana's economy, accounting for about 80% of the country's exports between 2012 and 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund.

But the country's experience in the diamond industry also highlights a broader question facing resource-rich African economies: how can mineral wealth translate into greater industrial value and more sustainable development? During his talks with Boko in Beijing, Xi outlined a four-point proposition for China-Botswana and China-Africa mining cooperation: respecting African countries' ownership of their resources, pursuing mutual benefit, promoting high-quality development and fostering a fair and open environment.

China also stands ready to share its mining development experience and green technologies to support African countries in pursuing development paths suited to their national conditions, Xi said.