{"id":55350,"date":"2025-08-26T08:56:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T08:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/from-coffee-to-ai-china-s-new-ambassador-highlights-next-frontier-in-rwanda\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T14:14:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T14:14:48","slug":"from-coffee-to-ai-china-s-new-ambassador-highlights-next-frontier-in-rwanda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/new.igihe.com\/english\/from-coffee-to-ai-china-s-new-ambassador-highlights-next-frontier-in-rwanda\/","title":{"rendered":"From Coffee to AI: China\u2019s new ambassador highlights next frontier in Rwanda\u2013China partnership (Video)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gao, who officially presented his credentials to President Paul Kagame on July 29, 2025, succeeds Wang Xuekun as China\u2019s envoy to Rwanda. <\/p>\n

Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, he expressed admiration for Rwanda\u2019s transformation and enthusiasm for expanding ties that have been described as being in their \u201cbest period.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Gao<\/figure>\n

Having arrived in Rwanda just recently, Gao expressed awe at the country\u2019s stunning landscapes, pleasant weather, and vibrant culture.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe city is clean and safe. The culture is very unique. I enjoy the Intore dance very much,\u201d he said, noting his participation in Rwanda\u2019s Car Free Day and his eagerness to join Umuganda, the national community service day. <\/p>\n

His initial impressions, shaped by limited prior knowledge and media portrayals, have been surpassed by Rwanda\u2019s dynamic energy and warm hospitality. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe country brings me surprise almost every day,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

\"China\u2019s<\/figure>\n

Reflecting on his first meeting with President Kagame, Gao described it as \u201cexciting\u201d and a significant moment in his diplomatic career. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe President says that China is a reliable good friend of Rwanda,\u201d Gao recounted, conveying warm greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping. <\/p>\n

He praised Rwanda\u2019s unique development path under Kagame\u2019s leadership, noting its success in promoting national unity, social harmony, and strong economic growth. Field trips to remote villages in Rwanda\u2019s north and south affirmed his belief in the people\u2019s support for their leader and pride in their nation\u2019s restored dignity and prosperity.<\/p>\n

\"Ambassador<\/figure>\n

Gao, who previously served as Deputy Mayor of Changsha, Hunan\u2019s 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\u2019s online shopping festival.<\/p>\n

\u201cRwanda was under the spotlight, thanks to your perfect and wonderful exhibition and roadshows,\u201d Gao said, referencing the fourth China-Africa Economic Trade Expo in June 2025, attended by Rwanda\u2019s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

This milestone, driven by strategic guidance from Presidents Kagame and Xi, has positioned China as Rwanda\u2019s top trading and investment partner. Rwanda’s exports to China 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019an, and Dongfeng have entered the Rwandan market, marking a \u201cpromising start.\u201d <\/p>\n

Gao anticipates more brands will follow, supported by maintenance services to ensure sustainability. <\/p>\n

In AI and ICT, Rwanda\u2019s forward-thinking approach to innovation makes it a compelling partner for collaboration. Huawei\u2019s 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\u2019s growing tech ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Chinese universities and the embassy are also fostering AI capacity through workshops for Rwandan students.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018We have set up the Confucius Institute at the University of Rwanda and the Luban Workshop at IPRC Musanze…AI shouldn\u2019t be exclusive to the wealthy,\u2019 Gao emphasised, highlighting China\u2019s establishment of the World AI Cooperation Organisation, announced last month, to narrow the digital divide.\u201d<\/p>\n

The new envoy also highlighted China\u2019s long-term contributions to the healthcare sector.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Addressing criticisms of China\u2019s engagement with Africa, Gao dismissed the \u201cdebt trap diplomacy\u201d narrative as a \u201cnarrative trap.\u201d He stressed that China attaches no political conditions to its financing, which has built railways, ports, and jobs across Africa without causing debt stress. <\/p>\n

\u201cFacts speak louder than words,\u201d he said, citing President Kagame\u2019s rejection of the debt trap narrative at the 2024 Doha Forum and former Namibian President Hage Geingob\u2019s defense of African nations\u2019 agency in managing their affairs.<\/p>\n

\"Addressing<\/figure>\n

Gao described Rwanda\u2013China relations as comprehensive, constructive, and congenial, built on mutual respect, shared values, and people-centred development models. <\/p>\n

He reiterated that both nations are guided by long-term visions \u2014 China\u2019s centenary goals and Rwanda\u2019s Vision 2050 \u2014 which provide a strong foundation for cooperation and which he is eager to deepen during his tenure in Rwanda.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not just a visitor passing through. My mission is to observe, to learn, to love, and most importantly, to share. Congratulations on Rwanda\u2019s achievements, and I wish the country greater success on the path of peace and development,” he remarked.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s foreign trade grew from $30 trillion to $43 trillion, underscoring the resilience of global cooperation. <\/p>\n

As the world\u2019s second-largest economy, China offers 100% zero-tax access to 53 African countries, including Rwanda, to bolster market access for the least developed nations.<\/p>\n

Gao also reaffirmed China\u2019s stance on Taiwan, emphasising the one-China principle and Rwanda\u2019s consistent support, as reiterated at the 2024 FOCAC Summit. <\/p>\n

\u201cTaiwan is an inalienable part of China\u2019s territory,\u201d he said, noting the historical mandates of the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Proclamation, and UN General Assembly Resolution 2758.<\/p>\n

{{ {Watch the full interview below.} }}<\/p>\n