2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Botswana. A celebration ceremony was held on Friday at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Total trade between the two countries reached $1.01 billion last year, when they announced the elevation of their relationship to a strategic partnership. During an interview with CGTN, Botswana's Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale, said trade and economic cooperation with China has benefited the African country's industrialization.