China and Lesotho Celebrate 105th Anniversary of the Communist Party of China While Strengthening Bilateral Relations

The Chinese Embassy in Lesotho hosted a high-level reception on Monday to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), bringing together government leaders, diplomats and distinguished guests to celebrate the milestone. The event served as both a celebration of the CPC’s long history and an opportunity to reaffirm the growing partnership between China and Lesotho. Speakers reflected on China’s remarkable development over the past century while highlighting the strong diplomatic, economic and cultural ties that have developed between the two countries over more than three decades. The reception emphasized cooperation, mutual respect and shared aspirations for sustainable development that continue to define the China and Lesotho relationship. It also reinforced the commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership through dialogue, investment and people-centered development initiatives.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Government of Lesotho, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mr. Limpho Tau praised the Communist Party of China for guiding one of the most significant national transformations in modern history. He said that over the past 105 years, the CPC has led China from hardship and poverty to national renewal, broad-based economic growth and greater engagement with the international community. According to Mr. Tau, the successful lifting of hundreds of millions of people out of poverty stands as one of the greatest development achievements of the modern era. He noted that China’s progress has inspired many developing nations, including countries across Africa that continue to pursue inclusive economic growth and improved living standards. For Lesotho, he said, China’s experience demonstrates that although every country follows its own development path, the universal goals of dignity, sovereignty and improving the lives of citizens remain the same.

Mr. Tau also reflected on Lesotho’s own political journey and the important role that political parties have played in shaping the country’s democratic development. He acknowledged the contributions made by the Basotho Congress Party, the Lesotho Congress for Democracy and the Revolution for Prosperity, saying that each has worked in different ways to promote social progress, democratic participation and economic advancement. He explained that despite their different political traditions, these parties share a common objective of improving livelihoods, expanding opportunities and protecting the dignity of the Basotho people. He emphasized that national development requires political leadership that remains focused on serving citizens while strengthening democratic institutions. According to the minister, responsible governance remains essential for ensuring that international partnerships translate into meaningful benefits for local communities.

The minister further urged Lesotho’s political leaders to approach international partnerships with transparency and accountability. He stressed that cooperation with global partners such as China should always result in locally driven development that creates employment opportunities and equips young people with valuable skills. He explained that strengthening institutions and promoting economic growth should remain central priorities regardless of political affiliation. Mr. Tau said that partnerships should be measured by their ability to improve the daily lives of ordinary citizens while contributing to sustainable national development. He expressed confidence that continued cooperation with China can help Lesotho achieve these important development objectives.

A significant part of Mr. Tau’s address focused on the enduring friendship between Lesotho and China, which he described as being founded on mutual respect, equality and solidarity. He said that although the two countries differ in size, geography and levels of development, they remain united by shared principles including sovereignty, non-interference, mutual benefit and development that benefits ordinary people. He reaffirmed Lesotho’s unwavering commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as the cornerstone of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The minister also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four major global initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. He noted that these initiatives provide an important framework for promoting development, peace, mutual respect and more inclusive international cooperation.

Mr. Tau explained that Lesotho is proud to support these global initiatives because they closely align with the country’s own national priorities. He said the initiatives promote sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, dialogue among civilizations and a fairer international system that gives developing countries a stronger voice. By participating in these initiatives, Lesotho continues to strengthen its position in international affairs while reinforcing its long-standing friendship with China. He emphasized that cooperation based on shared values allows both countries to pursue common goals without compromising their sovereignty. Such partnerships, he said, demonstrate how countries with different histories and political systems can work together for mutual benefit.

Chinese Ambassador Yang Xiaokun also addressed the gathering and highlighted the values that continue to guide the Communist Party of China. He said that the strength of both a political party and a nation comes not from physical size or military power but from openness, broad vision and a strong sense of responsibility. Ambassador Yang emphasized that peace, cooperation, dialogue and openness represent the only sustainable path toward a better future for humanity. He rejected approaches based on confrontation, hegemony, conflict and isolation, saying that international cooperation offers greater opportunities for shared prosperity. His remarks reflected China’s continued commitment to building stronger relationships with developing countries through peaceful engagement and mutual respect.

The ambassador praised the excellent state of bilateral relations between China and Lesotho, noting that leaders from both countries maintain regular communication and frequently exchange congratulatory messages during important national events. He said these interactions reflect the close friendship that has developed over many years of diplomatic cooperation. Ambassador Yang also highlighted the successful and historic visit to Lesotho earlier this year by Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the ambassador, the visit reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to elevate the China and Lesotho strategic partnership to an even higher level. He added that both countries aim to build a model relationship based on friendship, cooperation and shared development despite their differing national circumstances.

Ambassador Yang further explained that political party exchanges have become an important pillar of China and Lesotho relations. Guided by the principles of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference, the Communist Party of China has established friendly relations with the Lesotho Congress for Democracy, the Democratic Congress and the Revolution for Prosperity. These relationships have been strengthened through delegation visits, political dialogue, governance seminars and training programs hosted in China. According to the ambassador, such exchanges have enhanced political trust, expanded mutual understanding and created opportunities for practical cooperation across multiple sectors. He said these engagements continue to contribute to stronger diplomatic relations and improved collaboration between the two countries.

Looking toward the future, Ambassador Yang reaffirmed China’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Lesotho across political, economic and cultural fields. He said China stands ready to deepen political trust, strengthen practical cooperation and increase people-to-people exchanges that benefit citizens of both nations. He also expressed China’s willingness to work with Lesotho in identifying development strategies suited to each country’s unique national circumstances. Ambassador Yang stated that China will continue promoting peace, development, cooperation and mutually beneficial partnerships while advancing its vision of a shared future for humanity. He emphasized that stronger international cooperation will create greater opportunities for sustainable development and long-term global stability.

The celebration also highlighted the tangible achievements that have resulted from more than 30 years of diplomatic relations between China and Lesotho. Chinese support has contributed to the construction of major national infrastructure projects, including the Parliament Building, where democratic processes are carried out, the State House, Maseru District Hospital and the new Maseru Fire Station. Infrastructure development has also extended to transport, with the Mpiti to Sehlabathebe Road improving access for remote mountain communities by supporting trade, tourism and regional connectivity. Since 1997, successive Chinese Medical Teams, now serving in their twentieth rotation, have provided healthcare services to Basotho patients while strengthening cooperation in the health sector. These long-term investments demonstrate the practical impact of bilateral relations and illustrate how cooperation has supported Lesotho’s national development across multiple sectors.

The 105th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of China provided more than an opportunity to reflect on China’s political history. It also highlighted the strength and maturity of the relationship between China and Lesotho, built on decades of diplomatic engagement, infrastructure investment and mutual support. Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in ways that promote sustainable development, strengthen institutions and improve the quality of life for their citizens. As the partnership continues to evolve, leaders from both countries believe that deeper political trust, stronger economic cooperation and increased cultural exchanges will deliver lasting benefits for future generations. The reception ultimately demonstrated that the friendship between Lesotho and China remains firmly rooted in shared respect, common development goals and a commitment to building a more prosperous future together.