Chinese vice president's visit to Seychelles to further enhance bilateral ties

Bilateral relations between China and Seychelles are entering a new phase of expansion, driven by rising trade volumes and growing collaboration in private sector, as well as emerging cooperation in the blue economy and digital innovation.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng is paying a visit to Seychelles and two other African countries of Kenya and South Africa from March 22 to 30.

The year of 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Seychelles.

In 1976, Seychelles became a sovereign nation. China was among the first nations to officially recognize the archipelago country's independence from British rule, marking the beginning of a long friendship that has later transformed the small island state in the Indian Ocean.

"This 50th anniversary will allow us to take stock of what we have achieved in different fields, education, health, infrastructure, economy, culture, environment and other areas," Vincent Meriton, former vice president of Seychelles, said in an interview via video link.

In 2024, at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the relations between the two countries hit a new peak as the ties were officially elevated to a strategic partnership.

Available data showed that bilateral trade between the two countries has maintained a strong momentum, reaching 84 million U.S. dollars in 2024. China mainly exports high-tech products such as smart phones, high-end camera systems, and mechanical and electric products, among others. Seychelles primarily exports seafood.

The future development of the bilateral ties is now turning offshore as both nations are looking toward blue economy. They are working together on sustainable fisheries and protection for the very ocean that feeds Seychelles.

Chinese vice president's visit to Seychelles to further enhance bilateral ties

Thousands of people took to the streets in dozens of protests across Greece on Saturday to voice their opposition to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The demonstrations were organized by a range of groups, including left-wing political parties, student associations, labor unions, migrant community organizations and non-governmental organizations, as the conflict has entered its second month.

In Athens, the main rally began outside the parliament building and marched to the U.S. Embassy. Protesters called for an immediate end to the conflict, urging Greece to stay out of the war and prioritize public spending on health and education over defense.

Holding up banners reading "No interference in Iran's affairs", "No war, return peace to the people" and "No deployment of Greek troops to the Middle East", and the flags of Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, protesters chanted slogans against the war to protest against the military actions of the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Israel's moves towards Palestine and Lebanon.

"We're here to protest against the war, to protest against what the U.S. and Israel are doing in the whole west Asian area. Of course, it (the military operation) is against international law," said Torres, a protester.

The month-long U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has resulted in heavy casualties on all sides. Iranian deaths are estimated at over 1,900, with over 24,800 injured, while at least 19 Israeli and 13 U.S. military fatalities have been reported.

As the war drags on, it is sending shockwaves across the geopolitical and economic landscape, driving up oil prices, rattling international markets, and weighing on the global economy.

Thousands protest across Greece against war in Iran