• Tanzania and China have reaffirmed six decades of diplomatic ties, pledging closer cooperation in trade, infrastructure, and multilateral engagement during a two-day ministerial meeting in Dar es Salaam

China and Tanzania have agreed to expand political, economic, and security cooperation following bilateral talks held in Dar es Salaam from 9–10 January 2026. The meeting brought together Tanzania’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Both sides praised the long-standing relationship between the two countries, built on what officials described as mutual respect, trust, and shared strategic interests. China congratulated Tanzania on its October 2025 general elections and expressed support for the government’s efforts to safeguard national stability and constitutional order. Tanzania reiterated its backing of the One-China policy and opposition to any attempts at secession.

The ministers welcomed what they called “fruitful outcomes” in bilateral relations over the past six decades, and committed to advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership agreed upon by Presidents Xi Jinping and Samia Suluhu Hassan in September 2024.

China signaled readiness to support Tanzanian development priorities in infrastructure, health, green energy, agriculture, education, and the digital economy, in alignment with the 2024 Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) outcomes. The partnership is expected to link Tanzania’s Vision 2050 agenda with China’s development plans through 2035.

Trade and investment also featured prominently in the discussions. Tanzania aims to double its exports to China by 2030, while China pledged to facilitate access to its domestic market and encourage Chinese companies to expand their investments in Tanzania. Both sides committed to improving business environments to support cross-border commerce.

Infrastructure cooperation remains central to the bilateral relationship. The ministers welcomed progress on the revitalization of the historic TAZARA Railway and announced plans to develop the “TAZARA Railway Prosperity Belt” linking transport, ports, and regional development initiatives. The two countries are considering hosting a high-level meeting on the project in the near future.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are set to expand as well. China and Tanzania will jointly mark the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with proposed cooperation in culture, tourism, youth engagement, and media. Movement of people between the two countries is expected to be further simplified to support travel and trade.

On multilateral affairs, both sides pledged closer coordination at the United Nations and other global forums. Tanzania welcomed China’s recent global initiatives and affirmed commitment to international cooperation shaped around shared development and mutual respect for sovereignty.

The two governments concluded the talks with a joint commitment to uphold international law, respect territorial integrity, and pursue peaceful dialogue as the preferred mechanism for resolving disputes worldwide.