In an important diplomatic move that strengthens its ties to Beijing and emphasizes the nation’s allegiance to a rules-based international order, the National Assembly of The Gambia unanimously passed a motion formally confirming the nation’s support to the “One China” policy.
After a debate on Monday, the motion—which was introduced by Hon. Sainey Jawara, the Lower Saloum member of the National Assembly—passed. It creates a legislative system that clearly acknowledges the People’s Republic of China as the only valid government that can represent all of China, including Taiwan.
Presenting the motion to his colleagues, Mr. Jawara stated, “The One China policy is a cornerstone of international diplomacy.” He maintained that the idea is essential for establishing regional stability, influencing international relations, and defending global economic interests. Adopting this principle, he continued, “underlines our commitment to a rules-based international order and ensures The Gambia’s alignment with the majority of nations globally, including major powers.”
The action formalizes the legislature’s support for the current executive branch policy that has governed relations between the two countries since their diplomatic reset in 2016.
Mr. Jawara gave a brief historical overview of the frequently tense relationship between the two nations throughout his speech. He pointed out that formal links were originally formed in 1974 but were broken in 1995 when The Gambia established diplomatic relations with Taiwan under the former president Yahya Jammeh’s administration. Up until 2013, that rapprochement persisted. The Gambia and China signed a joint communiqué in March 2016 to reestablish formal relations after a breach with Taipei. In September 2024, the relationship was upgraded to a “strategic partnership.”
The member of the National Assembly also emphasized China’s concrete contributions to The Gambia’s development, citing the deployment of medical experts to establishments like Bansang Hospital and technical assistance for the Jahali Pacharr rice fields as instances of the advantages gained from the bilateral relationship in areas like infrastructure, agriculture, and health.
Numerous parliamentarians who shared Mr. Jawara’s views on China’s development assistance overwhelmingly supported the measure. The National Assembly’s adoption of it signifies a sustained commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing and formalizes the legislature’s role in enforcing the policy.
