Seychelles Reaffirms One China Policy as Beijing Signals Deeper Cooperation

VICTORIA — Seychelles has reaffirmed its firm support for the One China Policy, underscoring continuity in its foreign policy as it looks to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Beijing.

The position was restated on Friday during a courtesy call by China’s Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Ms Lin Nan, on the newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Barry Faure. The meeting marked one of Faure’s first official engagements since taking up the post.

Ambassador Lin congratulated Faure on his appointment and conveyed China’s readiness to work closely with him to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. She also invited the minister to attend Spring Festival celebrations scheduled for early February 2026, a gesture that often signals Beijing’s emphasis on cultural exchange and people-to-people relations.

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Both sides expressed optimism about the trajectory of Seychelles–China relations and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation within existing bilateral agreements. While no specific sectors were highlighted, China has been a key development partner for Seychelles over the years, supporting initiatives in infrastructure, health, housing and capacity building.

Faure reaffirmed Seychelles’ adherence to the One China Policy, which recognises the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China and regards Taiwan as part of Chinese territory. He described the policy as a cornerstone of international peace, stability and cooperation.

Seychelles joins the majority of African countries that recognise Beijing rather than Taipei. Across the continent, China has steadily strengthened diplomatic support through trade, investment, development financing and political engagement, particularly under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation framework.

Diplomats and analysts note that small island states like Seychelles hold strategic importance in China’s engagement with Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region. For Beijing, these relationships support broader geopolitical and economic objectives, while for Seychelles, they offer opportunities to diversify partnerships and attract development support.

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The meeting points to continuity rather than a shift in Seychelles’ China policy under Faure’s leadership, reinforcing established diplomatic positions while signalling openness to deeper cooperation.

China’s footprint in Seychelles increasingly blends cultural diplomacy with tangible economic interests. These include infrastructure projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, expanding tourism ties supported by direct air links, and cooperation in digital infrastructure. Tourism arrivals from China reportedly rose sharply in 2025, while Seychelles continues to engage Beijing on climate resilience support for its vulnerable island ecosystem.

For Victoria, support for the One China Policy remains non-negotiable. For Beijing, the relationship fits into a broader strategy of consolidating influence through development assistance, climate support and long-term partnerships in strategically important regions.