Gao, who officially presented his credentials to President Paul Kagame on July 11, 2025, succeeds Wang Xuekun as China's envoy to Rwanda.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he expressed admiration for Rwanda's transformation and enthusiasm for expanding ties that have been described as being in their 'best period.'
Having arrived in Rwanda just recently, Gao expressed awe at the country's stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and vibrant culture.
'The city is clean and safe. The culture is very unique. I enjoy the Intore dance very much,' he said, noting his participation in Rwanda's Car Free Day and his eagerness to join Umuganda, the national community service day.
His initial impressions, shaped by limited prior knowledge and media portrayals, have been surpassed by Rwanda's dynamic energy and warm hospitality.
'The country brings me surprise almost every day,' he added.
Reflecting on his first meeting with President Kagame, Gao described it as 'exciting' and a significant moment in his diplomatic career.
'The President says that China is a reliable good friend of Rwanda,' Gao recounted, conveying warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
He praised Rwanda's unique development path under Kagame's leadership, noting its success in promoting national unity, social harmony, and strong economic growth. Field trips to remote villages in Rwanda's north and south affirmed his belief in the people's support for their leader and pride in their nation's restored dignity and prosperity.
Gao, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Changsha, Hunan's capital, brings a wealth of experience to his role. Changsha, a hub for China-Africa cooperation, has been a gateway for Rwandan products like dried chilli and coffee, which sold out in seconds during Changsha's online shopping festival.
'Rwanda was under the spotlight, thanks to your perfect and wonderful exhibition and roadshows,' Gao said, referencing the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in June 2025, attended by Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
The ambassador underscored the elevation of Rwanda-China relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, formalised at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing.
This milestone, driven by strategic guidance from Presidents Kagame and Xi, has positioned China as Rwanda's top trading and investment partner. Bilateral trade hit a record high of $160 million (approximately Frw 230 billion), fueled by Rwandan exports like coffee, tea, and chilli, which resonate with Chinese consumers.
Looking ahead, Gao highlighted emerging sectors for collaboration, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), AI, and information and communication technology (ICT). Chinese EV brands like BYD, Chang'an, and Dongfang have entered the Rwandan market, marking a 'promising start.'
Gao anticipates more brands will follow, supported by maintenance services to ensure sustainability.
In AI and ICT, Rwanda's forward-thinking approach to innovation makes it a compelling partner for collaboration. Huawei's smart education project has connected approximately 1,500 Rwandan schools to educational networks, enhancing digital access. Additionally, a digital truck initiative is training local ICT professionals, bolstering Rwanda's growing tech ecosystem.
Chinese universities and the embassy are also fostering AI capacity through workshops for Rwandan students.
''We have set up the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda and the Luban Workshop at IPRC Musanze...AI shouldn't be exclusive to the wealthy,' Gao emphasised, highlighting China's establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation, announced last month, to narrow the digital divide.'
The new envoy also highlighted China's long-term contributions to the healthcare sector.
'In healthcare, the Chinese medical team has been serving Rwanda for over 40 years, and Masaka Hospital is set to become one of the largest hospitals in the country,' he said.
Addressing criticisms of China's engagement with Africa, Gao dismissed the 'debt trap diplomacy' narrative as a 'narrative trap.' He stressed that China attaches no political conditions to its financing, which has built railways, ports, and jobs across Africa without causing debt stress.
'Facts speak louder than words,' he said, citing President Kagame's rejection of the debt trap narrative at the 2024 Doha Forum and former Namibian President Hage Geingob's defense of African nations' agency in managing their affairs.
Gao described Rwandaâ€"China relations as comprehensive, constructive, and congenial, built on mutual respect, shared values, and people-centred development models.
He reiterated that both nations are guided by long-term visions â€" China's centenary goals and Rwanda's Vision 2050 â€" which provide a strong foundation for cooperation and which he is eager to deepen during his tenure in Rwanda.
'I am not just a visitor passing through. My mission is to observe, to learn, to love, and most importantly, to share. Congratulations on Rwanda's achievements, and I wish the country greater success on the path of peace and development," he remarked.
On global trade challenges, particularly U.S. tariffs, Gao argued that openness remains the dominant trend. Despite the 2018 U.S.-China trade war, China's foreign trade grew from $30 trillion to $43 trillion, underscoring the resilience of global cooperation.
As the world's second-largest economy, China offers 100% zero-tax access to 53 African countries, including Rwanda, to bolster market access for the least developed nations.
Gao also reaffirmed China's stance on Taiwan, emphasising the one-China principle and Rwanda's consistent support, as reiterated at the 2024 FOCAC Summit.
'Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory,' he said, noting the historical mandates of the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.
Watch the full interview below.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
