Xining Shi, China – Mozambique President Daniel Chapo arrived in China this week for a state visit that Beijing says will strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday that the visit would “promote the in-depth development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Mozambique.”
Guo added that the visit would contribute to building a “solid China-Africa community with a shared future” and strengthen solidarity within the Global South. 
Chapo, who was inaugurated as Mozambique’s fifth president in January 2025, is in China from 16 to 22 April at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is his first visit to the country since taking office.
His programme includes formal talks with President Xi Jinping, meetings with Prime Minister Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, who chairs the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, as well as visits to Hunan and Qinghai provinces.
“China and Mozambique enjoy a long friendship,” Guo said. “Since establishing diplomatic ties over half a century ago, the bilateral relationship has strengthened despite the changing international landscape. Political trust continues to deepen, yielding fruitful results in various areas and close cooperation on international and regional issues.”
The visit comes months after Chapo wrote to Xi Jinping in February, conveying his intention to strengthen cooperation in 2026 while reaffirming Mozambique’s support for the One China principle.
“The Republic of Mozambique reaffirms its firm determination to continue working side by side with the People’s Republic of China to strengthen ties of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity,” Chapo wrote in a message marking the Chinese New Year.
Chapo described 2026, which has been proclaimed the Year of People-to-People Cooperation, as “a strategic opportunity to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level,” saying it holds “special meaning by promoting friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding values Mozambique shares and cultivates within its Global Strategic Partnership with China.”
The relationship between the two countries, however, carries significant financial weight for Maputo. Mozambique paid over €36 million in debt service to China in 2025, according to Ministry of Finance data from November. China remains the country’s leading bilateral creditor.
Between January and March alone, debt repayments to China included $35.51 million in amortisations and $6.77 million in interest. Mozambique’s total debt to China stood at $1.347 billion at the end of June last year.
Beijing has offered some relief. Chinese President Xi Jinping previously announced a donation of 100 million yuan, equivalent to €12 million, and forgave interest on loans granted to Mozambique up to 2024. Mozambican Prime Minister Benvinda Levi confirmed the announcements following a two-day visit to China.
“We received two positive updates from President Xi Jinping: a donation of 100 million yuan and the forgiveness of interest on loans granted to Mozambique until 2024,” Levi said.
During the visit, Chapo also travelled to Xining in Qinghai province, where he toured a Poverty Alleviation Model Village. Reflecting on the experience, the president posted on social media that the initiative offered “a concrete example of how structured policies can transform realities and create opportunities for all.”
“Giving dignity to the people is one of our commitments since the inauguration. With this experience, we intend to strengthen our public community development policies to better serve our compatriots,” Chapo wrote, adding: “It is possible. Let’s get to work.”
