By Nelson Manneh
The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia, in collaboration with the local Chinese community, hosted a vibrant reception on September 30, 2025, to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The event, held on the eve of China’s National Day, highlighted decades of progress and underscored the deepening bonds of friendship and cooperation between China and The Gambia.
October 1, 2025, marked the 76th National Day of the PRC, a date celebrated across China and by Chinese communities worldwide. In Beijing, crowds gathered at Tiananmen Square for a major flag-raising ceremony, a tradition dating back to the country’s founding in 1949. Similarly, in Banjul, Chinese nationals and Gambian dignitaries attended a ceremonial flag-raising, reaffirming the close ties between the two nations.
This year’s National Day coincided with the Mid-Autumn Festival, creating an eight-day holiday in China that spurred a surge in travel and tourism. The dual celebration underscored the cultural significance of the occasion for Chinese people everywhere.
Ambassador Liu Jin, speaking at the reception in Banjul, reflected on China’s economic achievements, noting a 5.3% GDP growth in the first half of 2025. He cited the country’s focus on innovation, including advancements in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and clean energy sectors.
The ambassador also addressed China’s role on the world stage, referencing the nation’s efforts to promote peace in conflicts such as Ukraine and between Palestine and Israel. Liu Jin reaffirmed China’s commitment to global governance and cooperation on key issues like climate change, cybersecurity, and reforming international financial systems.
The event spotlighted the flourishing relationship between China and The Gambia. Over the past year, the two countries have deepened cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, and education. Recent projects include significant investments, scholarships for Gambian students, and the establishment of the “China-Gambia Bantaba,” a dialogue platform to promote mutual understanding.
Ambassador Liu emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections and cultural exchange, highlighting the contributions of overseas Chinese to both countries’ development. He reiterated China’s support for The Gambia’s development goals and called for continued collaboration based on mutual respect and benefit.
As the celebrations concluded, attendees expressed hope that the enduring partnership between China and The Gambia would continue to yield positive outcomes for both nations.
