China, Burkina Faso resume diplomatic ties

China and Burkina Faso have resumed diplomatic ties.

A communique on the re-establishment of diplomatic relations was signed by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Alpha Barry on Saturday in Beijing.

It came two days after the West African nation cut so-called "diplomatic ties" with Taiwan on May 24.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Burkina Faso's Foreign Minister Alpha Barry sign a joint communique to resume diplomatic relations between China and Burkina Faso, in Beijing, capital of China, May 26, 2018.[Photo: Xinhua]

"The two governments agree to develop friendly relations between the two countries on the basis of the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence," the communique said.

"The Government of the Burkina Faso recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory," according to the communique.

"The resumed diplomatic relationship between China and Burkina Faso is the right choice based on the interests of Burkina Faso's own country and people. Facts have once again proved that adhering to the one-China principle is a general consensus of the international community," said An Fengshan on Saturday, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

China established diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso in September 1973. On February 2, 1994, Burkina Faso signed a communique to resumed "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan. On February 4, the Chinese government announced to suspend diplomatic relations with Burkina Faso.

During the period of maintaining diplomatic relations between the two countries, China assisted Burkina Faso in the construction of hospitals, government offices, stadiums, and other projects. China has accepted 23 foreign students from Burkina Faso and dispatched 9 medical teams, totaling 163 people to Burkina Faso.

In 2017, the trade volume between the two countries was about 200 million US dollars. China mainly exports mechanical and electrical products to Burkina Faso and imports cotton.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Thursday night that China "appreciates" Burkina Faso's decision to sever "diplomatic relations" with Taiwan, stressing that the one-China principle has become a common consensus in the international community.

"According to Resolution 2758 passed at the 26th session of the United Nations General Assembly in October 1971, the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China," Lu noted.

The one-China principle is the prerequisite and political foundation for China and other countries to engage in friendly cooperation, he added.