China’s top legislator Zhao Leji meets Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo

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China and Mozambique Elevate Ties to “Shared Future” During Landmark State Visit

BEIJING — In a significant move to solidify the strategic partnership between East Asia and Southern Africa, China’s top legislator, Zhao Leji, met with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on Tuesday at the Great Hall of the People. The meeting, a cornerstone of President Chapo’s official state visit to China, focused on deepening legislative cooperation and the implementation of large-scale development initiatives.

The talks followed a historic announcement by President Xi Jinping earlier in the day, in which China and Mozambique officially elevated their bilateral relationship to a “China-Mozambique community with a shared future in the new era.”

Strengthening Legislative and Political Bonds

Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), emphasized that China is eager to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two nations. He noted that under the guidance of the consensus reached by both heads of state, the two countries must enhance political mutual trust and expand mutually beneficial cooperation.

“China stands ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Mozambique between legislative bodies, share experience in areas such as reform and development, rule of law construction, and rural revitalization,” Zhao stated, adding that such collaboration provides vital impetus for the respective development of both countries.

President Chapo, who assumed office following his electoral victory in late 2024, reaffirmed Mozambique’s unwavering commitment to the One-China principle. He expressed strong support for China’s four major global initiatives—covering global development, security, civilization, and AI governance—and signaled a desire to promote deeper practical cooperation across all levels of government.

A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The meeting with Zhao Leji was part of a broader diplomatic blitz for President Chapo, who also held high-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. During those discussions, the focus shifted toward economic integration and industrialization.

Key areas of expanded cooperation include:

• Infrastructure & Energy: Leveraging Mozambique’s vast resource advantages, particularly in Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and mining.

• Agriculture & Fisheries: Utilizing “green channels” and zero-tariff policies for Mozambican exports to the Chinese market.

• Digital Economy: Exploring new pathways in AI and digital infrastructure to modernize Mozambique’s economy.

Implementing FOCAC Outcomes

A major theme of the visit was the realization of the outcomes from the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit. Zhao Leji and President Chapo discussed the “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” (2026), aiming to foster closer ties not just between politicians, but between the citizens of both nations through culture, education, and healthcare.

Following the legislative meetings, the two sides witnessed the signing of over 20 cooperation documents. These agreements span the Belt and Road Initiative, medical health, and news media, marking one of the most comprehensive packages of bilateral agreements between the two countries in recent years.

Looking Ahead

The visit underscores Mozambique’s role as a critical partner for China in Southern Africa, especially as the world moves toward a multipolar landscape. By strengthening ties with the NPC, President Chapo is ensuring that the legal and regulatory frameworks of both nations are aligned to support the massive influx of Chinese investment expected over the next decade.

As the meeting concluded, both leaders expressed a shared vision of “South-South cooperation,” promising to support each other on issues involving core interests and major concerns on the international stage.