Diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Namibia were first established the day after Namibia's independence, but relations with Namibian independence movements date back to the 1960s.

In the 1960s, the PRC established relations with SWAPO and SWANU. According to academic Ian Taylor, "China had to carefully balance calls for support for Namibian independence and the national struggle (fought by SWAPO), with condemnations of Soviet hegemonic machinations in the region."

Namibia and the PRC established relations on 22 March 1990, a day after Namibia's independence. From 1989 to 1990, China sent 20 personnel to Namibia to help monitors its elections; this was China's first involvement in United Nations peacekeeping efforts in Africa.

In 2018, China and Namibia formed a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Namibia was among the African countries which expressed support for the Chinese government during the 2019-2020 Hong Kong protests. In January 2020, Namibia's land reform minister stated that Namibia fully supports Chinese territorial integrity and sovereignty, including with respect to Hong Kong.

China began purchasing coal from Namibia in 2010.

Namibia is a major destination for Chinese investment in uranium mining. Chinese companies have invested in Namibia's three biggest uranium producers: Husab, Langer Heinrich, and Rössing.

From 2000 to 2011, there were approximately 64 Chinese official development finance projects identified in Namibia through various media reports.