1. Bilateral political relations
China and Seychelles established diplomatic relations on June 30, 1976. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the friendly cooperative relations between the two countries have developed in a sound and steady manner. The successive governments of Seychelles have attached great importance to developing relations with China and pursued the One-China policy. During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024, the relationship between China and Seychelles was elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
Major political figures from the Chinese side who have paid visits to Seychelles include: Vice Chairman Liu Qibao of the CPPCC National Committee (October 2018), State Councilor Wang Yong (December 2019), State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (January 2021), Vice Chairman Cai Dafeng of the NPC Standing Committee (June 2024) and Vice Chairman Mu Hong of the CPPCC National Committee and head of the China-Africa Friendship Group of the CPPCC National Committee (October 2024).
Major political figures from the Seychellois side who have paid visits to China include: President Danny Faure (for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2018), Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Didier Dogley, (for the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in April 2019), Minister of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning Maurice Loustau-Lalane (for the Coordinators' Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in June 2019), President Wavel Ramkalawan (for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024).
2. Bilateral economic and trade relations and economic and technological cooperation
In 2024, bilateral trade volume between China and Seychelles reached 84 million US dollars. China mainly exports mechanical and electrical products, high-tech products, agricultural produce and steel products to Seychelles, and mainly imports seafood from Seychelles. The two governments have signed bilateral investment treaty.
3.Bilateral exchanges in the fields of culture, education and public health
China and Seychelles have signed cultural cooperation agreement and bilateral cultural exchanges have maintained a sound momentum. China has sent 19 medical teams to Seychelles since 1986. Seychelles is a destination country for Chinese tourists and the first African country to sign the agreement on mutual exemption of visa requirements with China.
4. Military exchanges and cooperation
In April 2024, the 45th Chinese naval escort taskforce visited Seychelles. In July 2024, the Chinese Navy's hospital ship Peace Ark visited Seychelles. In October 2024, the 46th Chinese naval escort taskforce visited Seychelles.
5. Important bilateral agreements and documents
In August 1999, the two countries signed the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Seychelles.
In February 2007, the two countries signed the Agreement on the Protection of Bilateral Investment between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Seychelles.
In May 2013, China and Seychelles signed the Agreement on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Seychelles.
In July 2013, China and Seychelles signed the Agreement Between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism.
In September 2018, China and Seychelles signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles on Jointly Advancing the Construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.