Amb. Gao made the remarks at a reception celebrating the anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
The ceremony, held at the Kigali Marriott Hotel, brought together government officials, diplomats, members of the Chinese community and other guests to celebrate the longstanding ties between Rwanda and China.
Amb. Gao pointed to the elevation of China-Rwanda relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024 as a major step that opened a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
'China-Rwanda friendship has grown from strong to stronger,' Amb. Gao noted, adding that the two countries share mutual trust and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns.
'China-Rwanda relations are a choice, not a coincidence,' he affirmed.
The envoy also highlighted Rwanda's adherence to the one-China principle, describing it as a position highly appreciated by the Chinese government and people.
Trade and investment
Economic ties have remained a key part of the relationship, which dates back to 1971, with bilateral trade reaching a record $849 million in 2025
Rwandan exports to China rose 42% year-on-year to $227 million during the same period, with products such as coffee gaining a larger share of the Chinese market.
Amb. Gao pointed to the zero-tariff policy as one factor supporting the growth in trade, while highlighting the upcoming ninth China International Import Expo, scheduled for November 5, as another opportunity for Rwandan products and businesses to expand their presence in China.
He also described China as Rwanda's largest source of foreign direct investment, with Chinese companies investing in sectors ranging from garments, cement and agriculture to food processing and vehicle assembly.
These investments, he noted, are contributing to Rwanda's 'Made in Rwanda' ambitions by supporting local production.
Infrastructure and healthcare
Amb. Gao also highlighted major infrastructure and healthcare projects as examples of the practical cooperation between the two countries.
The newly renovated and expanded Masaka Hospital was officially handed over to Rwanda on August 28. Its floor space has expanded nearly tenfold, while its capacity has increased sixfold, the ambassador noted.
The hospital, which cost 580 million Chinese yuan, equivalent to more than Rwf124 billion, has 837 beds and 22 operating theatres. It is expected to become the new home of the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) by the end of 2026.
The Prince House-Giporoso-Masaka road project was also highlighted after officially breaking ground earlier this month.
The 10.3-kilometre project is being implemented through a partnership in which China is contributing about Rwf95 billion and Rwanda about Rwf35 billion.
Construction is expected to take about 30 months. The works include a flyover, underpasses, interchanges, bridges, drainage systems and street lighting, while the existing corridor will be upgraded into a dual four-lane carriageway, with some sections reaching eight lanes.
The upgraded road is expected to improve connectivity between Kigali, the Eastern Province, Bugesera International Airport and east-bound seaports.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Usta Kaitesi also cited the Masaka Hospital, the Prince House-Giporoso-Masaka road and the Nyabarongo II hydropower project as examples of cooperation with a direct impact on Rwanda's development.
'Our partnership continues to deepen and expand across infrastructure, agriculture, education, health, energy, trade, investments, capacity building, and many other areas,' Dr. Kaitesi noted.
Education, skills and people-to-people ties
Beyond infrastructure and trade, the two countries have expanded cooperation in education, technical training and people-to-people exchanges.
Amb. Gao revealed that around 150 Rwandan students had travelled to China on degree scholarships this year, while more than 300 Rwandan experts had participated in specialised training courses and workshops in China.
More than 35,000 Rwandan farmers have also received training and materials related to Juncao mushroom technology.
Amb. Gao further highlighted Rwanda's performance in the Huawei ICT Competition, noting that three Rwandan teams reached the global final this year and brought home one first prize and one second prize.
The Chinese medical team, which has served in Rwanda for 44 years, was cited as another example of knowledge and skills transfer.
Amb. Gao explained that the focus of cooperation is increasingly on building Rwanda's own capacity and supporting its development priorities under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) and Vision 2050.
'The philosophy today is teaching to fish, rather than giving fish,' he remarked.
Dr. Kaitesi, meanwhile, emphasised Rwanda's appreciation of China's contribution to addressing global challenges and advancing the priorities of the Global South.
He also highlighted the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as an important platform for dialogue and practical cooperation between China and African countries.
The two officials also pointed to stronger people-to-people links, including tourism, as an area with room for further growth.
The ambassador noted a 20% increase in Chinese tourists visiting Rwanda and linked the trend to the broader push for people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.
He also highlighted exchanges between the Communist Party of China and Rwanda's Rwandan Patriotic Front as an example of the close relationship between the two countries.
Referring to President Paul Kagame's description of China as a 'long-term, reliable and trustworthy partner' of Rwanda, Amb. Gao maintained that the relationship had stood the test of time.
He expressed confidence that the friendship would continue to grow in the coming decades.
Dr. Kaitesi similarly expressed Rwanda's commitment to strengthening the partnership in the years ahead.
'Rwanda greatly appreciates China's continued partnership and looks forward to further strengthening our cooperation in the next 55 years ahead,' she stated.
