Chinese Vice President Han Zheng wrapped up a three-day visit to Seychelles this Monday, cementing what both nations call a 'golden era' of cooperation. The trip coincided with celebrations for 50 years of diplomatic relations—marked by a star-studded reception and talks about zero-tariff trade perks. 🎉
Han announced that Seychelles will benefit from China's zero-tariff policy for African goods, set to expand this May. 'This isn’t just about trade—it’s about rewriting how big and small nations collaborate,' he said during a tour of the China-funded Seychelles Broadcasting and Television Center, completed last year.
Strategic Vibes Only
Both sides pledged to boost their strategic partnership, upgraded during 2024’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. Seychelles President Patrick Herminie praised China’s support for 'independence and modernization,' while Han highlighted plans to turn the island into a transit hub for Chinese exports across Africa. 🚢
Why It Matters
With 2026 also marking 70 years of China-Africa diplomatic ties, Han teased more joint projects under FOCAC’s framework. Seychelles, home to just 100,000 residents, is proving size doesn’t matter in global partnerships. As Herminie put it: 'We’re ready to level up—tourism, tech, you name it.' 🌴
