Beijing Envy, Chine in Gabon - Essay Example

China currently has good diplomatic relations and a large amount of influence in many African countries. #######China has historically had a large level of influence in Gabon, and retains a high level of influence today. Gabon has deposits of oil and other natural resources that are needed by the booming Chinese economy, and the country is a good market for Chinese manufactured goods. China has aided Gabon by giving it debt relief and Chinese engineers and technicians have explored and developed the oil fields in Gabon.

In the last quarter of the twentieth century and the early twentyfirst century, Chinese envoys have made multiple visits to the nation. #######Diplomatic Relations between Gabon and China began in 1974. This is when Gabon ended its foreign relations with Taiwan, which the communist government of China considers to be a requirement for friendly foreign relations. The Joint Communique on the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Gabon establishes relations between the two nations at the ambassador level and pledges that the Chinese government will provide friendly and cooperative relations with Gabon on the principles of mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual nonaggression, noninterference in internal affairs, equality, mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.

This treaty is similar to most of the other diplomatic treaties signed between China and other African nations.#######After this, the Chinese government has helped Gabon in the fields of medicine, science, and technology; and they have also cooperated with Gabon on economic, political, diplomatic, and cultural issues. The two nations have had good diplomatic relations throughout this time. It is reported by the Chinese foreign ministry that #Chinese leaders and officials who paid visits to Gabon include: Chen Muhua, vice premier of the State Council (August 1978), Gong Dafei, vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (October 1981), Zhao Ziyang, premier of the State Council (January 1983), Wu Xueqian, vice premier of the State Council (March 1990), Qian Qichen, member of the State Council and minister of foreign affairs (January 1993), Li Lanqing, vice premier of the State Council (November 1995), Tian Cengpei, vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (April 1996), Li Peng, premier of the State Council (May 1997), Chen Jinhua, vice chairman of the NPPCC (July 2000), Tang Jiaxuan, minister of foreign affairs (January 2001), and Wei Jianxing, member of the Central CPC Standing Committee, etc##