Khama, China mend relations over South China Sea

Oarabile Mosikare | Friday July 15, 2016 12:07

The meeting followed the decision by an international tribunal in the Hague to award the disputed islands to the Philippines, the outcome of which China said it does not accept. Mmegi has learnt that before the China ambassador to Botswana addressed the press conference at the Chinese Embassy about his country’s response, he rushed to the Office of the President where he met with Khama for more than an hour.

Sources said after the Wednesday meeting  Botswana now understands the issue better unlike five months ago. Then, a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation  over the issue nearly caused strained relations with Beijing.

The February 17, 2016 statement called on all countries laying territorial claim on the islands in the South China Sea to resolve their disputes through international bodies set up for that purpose. “No country, no matter how big its economy or military should impose its power over others to make claims, which may escalate tensions that could result in conflicts. Thus, the peaceful resolution of the current disputes will augur well for international peace and security,” read the statement.

The following day the Embassy of China issued a statement. 

“The Embassy of China in Botswana believes that the arguments of the press release on South China Sea by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation dated 17 February 2016 are completely contrary to the actual facts,” read an email from the embassy.

Asked if Botswana now supports China on this issue, Zhuqiang said: “We hope Botswana government supports and understands China’s position. In the last few months we read Botswana’s stand. As for understanding and support, 67 countries, amongst them 37 of which are African countries have expressed understanding and support to China’s position.” He said China’s position is fully understood and shared. “Botswana has not yet made any comment about this matter but (Botswana) knows more about our position,” said Zhuqiang.

Although the Embassy of China did not want to discuss whether the ambassador met with Khama or not, the government spokesperson Jeff Ramsay confirmed seeing Zhuqiang at the Office of the President on Wednesday. “I saw the China ambassador to Botswana at the office. I don’t know what he discussed with the President. What they discussed is privileged,” said Ramsay.