A CROSS section of diplomats and political experts have emphasized the importance of upholding relations between China and Tanzania that have lasted for 60 years to bring about sustainable development in various areas of cooperation

They spoke during a Symposium titled ‘Uphold the Original Aspiration of Diplomatic Relations, Firmly Adhere to one-China Principle’ that was organized by Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam at the weekend.

Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, former Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation said that China has made tremendous sacrifices for Tanzania.

“We reaffirm the government's unshaken commitment towards friendship and common interest, “she said.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said in the past 60 years, the Tanzanian side has always implemented the original aspiration of diplomatic relations by supporting China in that area.

She said that early this year, after the Taiwan region’s election, President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania’s basic position of one-China principle.

“in a bid to consolidate the original intention of diplomatic relations between China and Tanzania, let the melody of justice on unswerving adherence to the one-China principle sing louder and louder,” she said.

Ambassador Omar Mjenga, President and CEO of the Centre for International Policy – Africa, said that one-China principle is the universal consensus of the international community.

He said to-date, 181 countries including most European countries have established diplomatic relations with China on the basis of the one-China principle.

Mjenga said recently, more than 170 countries openly reaffirmed their commitment to the one-China principle, and the UN Secretary-General stated to continue to adhere to General Assembly Resolution 2758.

“We all know that the One-China principle has a clear and unambiguous meaning that there is but one China in the world, ”he said

Joseph Kahama, Secretary General of China-Tanzania Friendship Promotion Association, called on states and non-state actors that give unfortunate and un-wanton credit, acknowledgement or recognition some territories of China as a state to stop doing so.

Gallus Abedi, Political Advisor to Chairman of the Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation, recommended expanding areas of research for mutual benefits and encouraged enhanced people-to-people cooperation.