Ready for a new beginning as development accelerates

Although China's increased involvement in Gabon is a recent development, diplomatic links between the two countries were first established in 1974. This followed Gabon's wish to expand political ties and Omar Bongo taking power in 1967.

Bongo's first state visit to China and meetings with late Chinese leaders Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping in 1974 took place at the height of the Cold War. Bongo attributed the growing connections with China as diversification of partnerships and part of his desire to accelerate Gabon's development.

Since that visit, bilateral ties between the two countries have strengthened over the years. During his 41 years in power, Bongo returned to China on several occasions.