On the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations Between China and Yemen
By Zhao Zheng
Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of China in Yemen
On September 24, 2026, China and Yemen will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In 1956, the two countries established diplomatic ties at the level of ministers plenipotentiary, which were elevated to ambassadorial level in 1963.
Over the past seven decades, China-Yemen relations have remained steadfast like mountains despite the many changes in the international landscape, becoming a leading example of sincere cooperation and mutual solidarity among developing countries.
A Thousand Years of Connections Along the Silk Road, Seventy Years of Friendship
The roots of China-Yemen friendship stretch back more than a thousand years. Yemen was among the first Arab countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China. In 1958, China and an Arab country signed the first treaty of friendship between the two sides. In 1971, Yemen firmly supported China in restoring its legitimate seat at the United Nations—an act of loyalty that will remain forever engraved in the memory of the Chinese people.
Over seven decades, China has left a deep imprint on the land of Yemen. From the Hodeidah-Sana’a road to the China-Yemen Friendship Bridge, and from the shores of the Gulf of Aden to the valleys of Sana’a, a series of Chinese-funded projects have stood as witnesses to the two countries’ solidarity.
Since 1966, China has continued to send medical teams to Yemen. Over the years, thousands of medical personnel have served there, treating patients under difficult conditions and embodying the spirit of medical compassion and genuine friendship.
We pay our deepest respects and express our profound gratitude to the Chinese aid workers who lost their lives while serving in Yemen. Their sacrifices remain among the most powerful and enduring expressions of China-Yemen friendship.
Cooperation Flourishes Across Multiple Fields
Under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries, mutual political trust continues to deepen, while exchanges at various levels have intensified. Over the past year, a number of senior Yemeni officials have made successful visits to China, while several Yemeni media delegations have visited Chinese cities, contributing to greater mutual understanding.
Educational cooperation has also produced remarkable results. The Chinese language program at the University of Aden has grown from just seven students at its inception to around 100 students today. A delegation of Yemeni university presidents also undertook an in-depth study tour of Chinese universities, while the number of Yemeni students studying in China has continued to increase. They are the future bridges of friendship between the two countries.
Economic and trade cooperation has also made notable progress. China has announced tariff exemptions for all Yemeni products exported to China and signed agreements to facilitate the direct export of Yemeni fishery products to the Chinese market.
The Belt and Road Initiative, along with China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative, has helped strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries across various fields. We welcome Yemen aboard China’s fast-moving development train.
Solidarity and Steadfast Support for the Peace Process
China has always attached great importance to Yemen’s stability and peace. At the United Nations Security Council and in multilateral forums, China has consistently called for a political settlement to the conflict in Yemen.
We have repeatedly reaffirmed our firm support for Yemen’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as well as our support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the new government in carrying out their responsibilities. We call on all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiations.
China continues, within its capabilities, to provide humanitarian assistance and support for reconstruction efforts in order to help alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
We sincerely hope that comprehensive peace will return to Yemen as soon as possible, allowing Chinese engineers, teachers, doctors and businesspeople to return to Yemen and contribute to reconstruction and to improving the lives of its people.
Writing a New Chapter of Friendship
China is currently advancing its great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization. The country’s 15th Five-Year Plan has charted a new course for this journey.
As we reach the new milestone of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, China stands ready to work with Yemen, guided by a vision of civilization based on equality, shared participation, dialogue and tolerance. Together, we seek to strengthen political trust and deepen practical cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare and other fields.
China and Yemen are brothers who stand together in times of hardship and partners committed to mutual benefit. We will continue walking side by side with our Yemeni friends along the path of peace, working together across fields of cooperation and striving for a brighter future of peace, development and shared prosperity.
Seventy years of journeying together through good times and hardship have brought us to a new stage, where the task ahead is demanding and the road remains long.
China-Yemen friendship will continue to move forward with firm steps, courage and determination.
China stands ready to share a common dream with Yemen and to welcome a brighter tomorrow together.
