He made the remarks on September 10, 2025, during a reception in Kigali celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the victory against Japanese aggression 80 years ago.
The event brought together officials including Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Wellars Gasamagera, Secretary General of the Rwandan Patriotic Front; and Dr. Ndabamenye, Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources.
Representatives of international organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, defence attachés, the Chinese community in Rwanda and friends of China were also in attendance.
Amb. Wenqi underscored the depth of Rwandaâ€"China relations, noting they had reached 'historic highs' since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year. He pointed to both countries standing 'shoulder-to-shoulder' on matters of core interest and praised Rwanda for its solidarity on sovereignty.
'We highly value Rwanda's support for China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and adherence to the One-China principle,' he said.
The One-China principle was formally established in 1949, after the Communist Party of China took power on the mainland and the defeated Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan.
Since then, Beijing has maintained that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and opposes any recognition of it as an independent state.
The envoy also reflected on the broader meaning of the 76th anniversary. He recalled the immense sacrifice China endured during 14 years of resistance against Japanese aggression, which claimed nearly 35 million lives.
From that tragedy, he said, China emerged more resilient, transforming itself into the world's second-largest economy and lifting over 100 Chinese out of poverty in ten years.
'This was fundamentally a triumph of justice crushing tyranny, light dispelling darkness, and progress defeating regression,' Amb. Wenqi said, stressing the importance of safeguarding peace and strengthening solidarity among nations.
On the economic front, Ambassador Wenqi highlighted that bilateral trade between China and Rwanda surged to a record high of US$670 million in 2024, with China remaining Rwanda's leading source of foreign direct investment.
He pointed to projects such as Masaka Hospital, modern highways, and smart education systems as evidence of China's contribution to Rwanda's development. He also noted that the successful debut of EHang's pilotless human-carrying flight in Rwanda has paved the way for deeper collaboration in emerging technologies.
Beyond infrastructure and innovation, Amb. Wenqi emphasized that economic cooperation also strengthens people-to-people links.
Scholarships, training opportunities, cultural exchanges, and even participation in events like Kwita Izina, he said, deepen mutual understanding and showcase the 'genuine desire for Rwanda's wellbeing' that underpins the partnership.
Amb. Wenqi also reaffirmed China's readiness to work with Rwanda to implement the vision shared by their Heads of State and the outcomes of the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, with the aim of further propelling their partnership forward.
Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and China date back to 1971, Both countries have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development.
Amb. Gao presented credentials to President Paul Kagame to oversee China's interests on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. He succeeded Amb. Wang Xuekun, who had officially held the role since September 2022.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, highlighted China's National Day (celebrated on October 1) as an opportunity to recognize the country's remarkable achievements, noting that its experience offers an inspiring path for development.
Gen (Rtd) Kabarebe also praised China's contribution to Rwanda's socio-economic transformation, and excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, grounded in trust, mutual respect, and practical collaboration.
IGIHE
