Bilateral Political Relations

China established diplomatic relations with Eritrea on May 24, 1993. Since then, bilateral relations have developed smoothly. In January 2022, China and Eritrea established a strategic partnership.

President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea officially visited China in April 1994, made an informal visit in April 1997, and conducted a state visit in February 2005. In November 2006, he attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In recent years, high-level exchanges between the two countries have been frequent. In May 2023, President Isaias Afwerki paid a state visit to China, and in September 2024, he attended the FOCAC Beijing Summit, where he met with President Xi Jinping. In January 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Eritrea.

Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations and Economic-Technical Cooperation

Since 1992, China has provided Eritrea with general materials, disaster relief funds, and other forms of assistance. China has aided in the construction of projects such as the Orotta Hospital, the second phase of the Adi Keih College of Arts and Social Sciences, and the first phase of the Eritrea Institute of Technology. Bilateral trade relations have developed steadily. In 2023, the bilateral trade volume reached 494 million, with China importing 494 million, with China importing 355 million and exporting 139 million to Eritrea. From January to July 2024, the bilateral trade

volume was 139 million to Eritrea. From January to July 2024, the bilateral trade volume was 360 million, with China importing $283 million. China primarily exports electromechanical products, rubber, and plastic products, while mainly importing copper ore and sheepskins.

Exchanges and Cooperation in Culture, Education, Health and Other Fields  

China and Eritrea have signed a cultural cooperation agreement. Since 1996, China has annually dispatched cultural and sports experts to Eritrea to assist in teaching, which has been well-received. Medical cooperation between the two countries began in 1997, with the first batch of 13 Chinese medical team members arriving in Eritrea in September of that year. To date, China has sent 17 batches totaling 305 medical personnel. Currently, there are 18 Chinese medical team members in Eritrea. Since 2008, China has sent 30 youth volunteers to Eritrea. Since 2009, China has dispatched three batches of senior agricultural experts, totaling nine individuals. In June 2013, the Eritrean Commission of Higher Education collaborated with Guizhou University of Finance and Economics to establish a Confucius Institute in Eritrea, with a formal unveiling ceremony held. To date, China has sent 67 Chinese language professors to Eritrea.