Diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Burundi were established on December 21, 1963, under Chairman Mao Zedong and King Mwambutsa IV Bangiriceng, respectively.[1] King Mwambutsa broke off diplomatic relations with China in 1965, although they were restored under Michel Micombero the first President of Burundi, on October 31, 1971.[2] Since then, China has provided development aid to Burundi, including helping with the construction of a textiles mill in Bujumbura. As of 2002, China exported $2.718 worth of goods, while importing only $491,000 worth of goods from Burundi. The current Chinese ambassador to Burundi is Feng Zhijun.[3]
In 2019, China gifted a new $22 million presidential palace to the Burundi government.[4]
Burundi was one of 53 countries, that in June 2020, backed the Hong Kong national security law at the United Nations.[5]
Since the first Forum on China Africa Cooperation in 2000, Beijing has delivered over $164 million in Official Development Assistance to Burundi.[6] This amount includes funds for the construction of a presidential palace, $9 million for construction of a hospital in Bubanza Province, and three debt cancellation agreements.