I.Political Relations

The People's Republic of China and the Republic of The Gambia established diplomatic relations on December 14, 1974. The relations were suspended when The Gambia resumed so-called “diplomatic relations” with the Taiwan region in July 1995. In November 2013, The Gambia severed “diplomaticties” with the Taiwanregion. On March 17, 2016, China and The Gambia signed a joint communique on the resumption of diplomatic relations. In September 2024, the two countries established strategic partnership.

In May 2024, Special Representative of President Xi Jinping, Hon. ‌Mr.Zheng Jianbang,Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee attended the 15th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation which was held in Banjul. In September 2024, H.E. President Adama Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

II. Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations and Economic and Technological Cooperation

China has assisted to build the Stadium of Independence, health centers and other projects in The Gambia.

In December 2017, the two sides established the Joint Economic and Trade Commission mechanism, and held its first meeting in June 2018. China is the largest trading partner of The Gambia. In 2023, the trade volume between China and The Gambia reached 520 million USD, up 5.6% year-on-year. China mainly exports textile raw materials and products, metal products, andimports timber, titanium ore sand, etc.

III. Exchanges and Cooperation in Cultural, Educationaland Other fields

The two countries signed a protocol in August 1976 regarding China's dispatch of medical teams to work in The Gambia. From October 1977 to March 1995, China sent more than 200 medical personnel to The Gambia. In June 2017, China resumed sending medical teams to The Gambia.

In June 2023, China and The Gambia signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Vocational Education between the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Technology of the Republic of The Gambia. China started to offer scholarshipsto students from The Gambia since 1984.