By Fatou Sillah
The National Assembly of The Gambia has unanimously adopted a motion formally reaffirming the country’s commitment to the “One China” policy, a significant diplomatic gesture that solidifies its alignment with Beijing and underscores the country’s adherence to a rules-based international order.
The motion, tabled by Hon. Sainey Jawara, the National Assembly member for Lower Saloum, passed following a debate on Monday. It establishes a parliamentary framework that explicitly recognizes the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing all of China, including Taiwan.
“The One China policy is a cornerstone of international diplomacy,” Mr. Jawara said while presenting the motion to his colleagues. He argued that the principle is crucial for shaping international relations, promoting regional stability, and safeguarding global economic interests. “Adoption of this principle,” he added, “ensures The Gambia’s alignment with the majority of nations globally, including major powers, and underscores our commitment to a rules-based international order.”
The move serves to formalize the legislature’s backing of the existing executive branch policy, which has guided the nation’s relations since their diplomatic reset in 2016.
In his address, Mr. Jawara provided a brief historical context of the often-fraught relationship between the two countries. Formal ties were first established in 1974, he noted, but were severed in 1995 under the administration of former President Yahya Jammeh when The Gambia established diplomatic relations with Taiwan. That rapprochement lasted until 2013. Following a break with Taipei, The Gambia and China signed a joint communiqué in March 2016 to resume official ties, a relationship that was elevated to a “strategic partnership” in September 2024.
The National Assembly Member also highlighted China’s tangible contributions to The Gambia’s development, citing technical support for the Jahali Pacharr rice fields and the deployment of medical specialists to facilities like Bansang Hospital as examples of the benefits derived from the bilateral relationship in sectors including agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
The motion was met with broad support from fellow lawmakers, many of whom echoed Mr. Jawara’s sentiments regarding China’s development assistance. Its passage in the National Assembly formalizes the legislature’s role in upholding the principle and signals a continued commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing.
Comments are closed.