Boko Rejects Pressure Over China Ties

Boko Rejects Pressure Over China Ties

Boko Rejects Pressure Over China Ties

President Duma Boko defends closer ties with China while signalling major American investment, insisting Botswana’s national interests will determine its partnerships.

BONGANI MALUNGA

President Duma Boko has rejected concerns that Botswana’s closer ties with China could damage relations with the United States, saying national interests will determine the country’s strategic partnerships.

Addressing journalists in Gaborone on Monday, October 19, following his state visit to China, Boko insisted that Botswana’s foreign policy is shaped by national interests rather than pressure to choose sides in geopolitical disputes.

The President argued that even powerful nations divided by international conflicts still cooperate when their interests demand it, questioning why Botswana should deny itself similar diplomatic flexibility.

China Partnership

His remarks come after Botswana and China elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral engagement on trade, investment and development.

Boko made it clear that closer ties with China should not be mistaken for turning Botswana’s back on the US. Instead, his administration is willing to work with any government prepared to take Botswana’s economic challenges seriously.