China and Seychelles at 50: Five decades of cooperation and exchanges

Fifty years ago, on June 30, 1976, China and Seychelles established diplomatic relations, just one day after the Indian Ocean island nation gained independence. Half a century later, cooperation between the two countries spans infrastructure, healthcare, education, trade, tourism and the blue economy.

From diplomatic ties to strategic partnership

Since establishing diplomatic relations, China and Seychelles have maintained close ties based on mutual respect and support for each other's core interests and major concerns.

A major milestone came in September 2024, when the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership during the Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Bilateral ties have continued to deepen. During a visit to Seychelles in March, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng attended events marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and visited the China-aided Seychelles Broadcasting and Television Center project that was handed over in 2025. The center has become one of the latest landmarks of bilateral cooperation.

In May, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Seychelles Foreign Minister Barry Faure in Beijing. Both sides pledged to deepen cooperation in areas including the blue economy, tourism, healthcare, environmental protection, climate change, energy and infrastructure development.

Booming cooperation

Over the past five decades, cooperation between China and Seychelles has expanded from traditional development assistance to a broad range of sectors linked to economic development and people's livelihoods.

Chinese-supported projects can be found across the island nation, including housing developments, sports facilities, judicial and broadcasting infrastructure. These projects have accompanied Seychelles' development while reflecting the long-standing partnership between the two countries.

Healthcare has been one of the longest-running pillars of bilateral cooperation. China began sending medical teams to Seychelles in 1985 and has dispatched 20 batches of medical personnel over the past four decades. Chinese medical teams have also helped train more than 2,000 local professionals while providing clinical services and specialist support.

Education and capacity-building have remained another important area of engagement. Through scholarship programs, professional training and technical exchanges, generations of Seychellois students, teachers and public-sector professionals have received training opportunities in China, helping strengthen people-to-people ties alongside economic cooperation.

Tourism and cultural exchanges have also become an increasingly visible part of the relationship. As the first African country to establish a comprehensive mutual visa-exemption agreement with China, Seychelles has sought to expand cooperation in tourism and people-to-people exchanges. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture Amanda Bernstein said China's large outbound tourism market presents opportunities for further cooperation, while closer exchanges help deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

In recent years, the partnership has expanded into emerging sectors including fisheries, renewable energy and the blue economy. Last year, China and Seychelles signed a fisheries cooperation agreement. According to information released by the Chinese Embassy in Seychelles, Seychelles' seafood exports to China increased more than eightfold after the agreement was signed. Renewable-energy cooperation has also expanded through projects such as the Africa Solar Belt Project, under which China has provided solar power equipment to support Seychelles' sustainable-development efforts.

Working together on global challenges

Beyond bilateral projects, China and Seychelles have maintained close communication in multilateral forums, including the United Nations.

As a small island developing state, Seychelles has placed particular emphasis on issues such as climate change, ocean governance and sustainable development. These themes have also featured prominently in bilateral exchanges, particularly through cooperation related to the blue economy and marine resource management. Discussions between the two sides have increasingly focused on areas such as environmental protection, climate resilience and sustainable use of marine resources.

Looking ahead

The 50th anniversary comes as China expands market access for African exports. Effective May 1, China has extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, Seychelles included. In an article published in May, Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles Lin Nan said the policy is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Seychellois seafood exports in the Chinese market, reduce trade costs and create new opportunities in areas including fisheries, logistics and the marine economy.

Fifty years after establishing diplomatic relations, cooperation between China and Seychelles continues to evolve across both traditional and emerging sectors. From healthcare and education to fisheries, renewable energy and the blue economy, bilateral ties have developed alongside the changing priorities of both countries and their peoples.