Burundi–China relations

Diplomatic relations between Burundi and China were established on December 21, 1963, under Chairman Mao Zedong and King Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng, respectively.^[1] However, King Mwambutsa broke off diplomatic relations with China in 1965, due to shifting political alliances. Relations were restored under Michel Micombero the first President of Burundi, on October 31, 1971,^[1][2] coinciding with Burundi's support for China's recognition in the United Nations through Resolution 2758.

During the Cold War, China expanded its engagement with African nations, including Burundi, as part of its broader strategy to gain diplomatic allies and counter Western and Soviet influence in Africa. This period saw increased economic aid and technical assistance from China to Burundi ^[3] In return, Burundi aligned with China on international issues. Preceding Resolution 2578, Chinese supported the Bujumbura Textile complex (COTEBU), built following a 1972 agreement granting Burundi an interest-free credit^[4] to acquire equipment and goods. It marking one of many major industrial projects between the two nations.

China and Burundi continue to maintain a stable diplomatic relationship, often aligning on international issues. Burundi follows the one China principle. It recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole government of China and Taiwan as an integral part of China's territory, and supports all efforts by the PRC to "achieve national reunification". It also considers Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet to be China's internal affairs.^[5] In return, China has backed Burundi in international forums, advocating non-interference in internal affairs, a principle frequently emphasized in China's African diplomacy.^[6] In June 2020, Burundi was one of 53 countries, that in June 2020, backed the Hong Kong national security law at the United Nations.^[7] In 2023, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Chengdu, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deeper economic and political collaboration. The meeting emphasized Burundi's continued support for China's global initiatives and China's role in Burundi's infrastructure and development projects.^[8]

Since COTEBU, China has invested tremendously in various Burundian infrastructure and development projects. China has constructed roads, bridges, and assisted building the Prince Louis Rwagasore Clinical Hospital in Bujumbura, and continues to support it through medical training programs.^[9] In 2019, China gifted a new $22 million presidential palace to the Burundi government.^[10]

Trade between Burundi and China has grown steadily,^[11] with Burundi exporting agricultural products such as coffee and tea while importing Chinese-manufactured goods, including machinery, textiles, and electronics. However, the trade balance remains skewed in China's favor, with Burundi importing significantly more than it exports. In the early 2000s, Chinese exports to Burundi were valued at $2.718 million, while Burundi's exports to China stood at only $491,000.^[12] More recently, according to Observatory Economic Complexity's 2022 data, that trade deficit has only widened. Burundi's exports to China were valued at approximately $9.25 million, $8.53 million solely  from exporting tea. Whereas China's exports to Burundi stood at $104 million, highlighting a significant trade deficit.^[11] China remains one of Burundi's largest trade partners, with key imports including construction materials, refined petroleum, and pharmaceutical products.^[13]

These economic ventures align with the broader Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) initiatives, infrastructure investment, agricultural development, and in recent years, educational exchanges. China has offered scholarships and vocational training programs for Burundian students, strengthening bilateral ties beyond economic cooperation. Many Burundian students^[14] have studied in China under government-sponsored programs, fostering long-term diplomatic and professional relationships between the two nations.