Chinese Envoy Engages Seychelles Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Ministry, Signals Deeper People-to-People Ties

China’s Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Ms. Lin Nan, has paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, marking an early diplomatic engagement following the minister’s recent appointment. The meeting underscored renewed momentum in bilateral relations, with a clear emphasis on cultural exchange and diaspora-linked cooperation.

Ambassador Lin conveyed Beijing’s readiness to work closely with Seychelles to deepen strategic cooperation, highlighting people-to-people connections as a critical pillar of the relationship. She extended an invitation to Minister Faure to participate in China’s Spring Festival celebrations scheduled for early February 2026, an event widely viewed as a platform for cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement.

Discussions between both officials reflected shared optimism about expanding collaboration under existing bilateral frameworks. Beyond government-to-government ties, the talks acknowledged the growing relevance of diaspora communities in strengthening cultural understanding, tourism flows, and educational exchanges between China and Seychelles.

Minister Faure reaffirmed Seychelles’ longstanding support for the One China Policy, describing it as a stabilising principle in international relations and a foundation for constructive global cooperation. The position aligns with Seychelles’ broader foreign policy approach, which prioritises multilateralism and peaceful engagement.

For Seychelles’ diaspora stakeholders, the engagement signals continued openness to international partnerships that can translate into cultural programmes, scholarships, and economic opportunities.

As China remains a significant global partner across Africa and island states, both sides appear poised to leverage diplomacy not just at the state level, but through sustained people-centered collaboration.