Allexer Namundjembo
Swapo says it supports the One-China policy and recognises Taiwan as part of China’s territory.
The party’s secretary general, Sophia Shaningwa, made the remarks in a statement issued last week.
Shaningwa said Swapo considers the One-China principle important for international stability and cooperation.
“The Swapo party fully recognises that there is but one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China,” she said.
She said Namibia and China share a long relationship that dates back to Namibia’s liberation struggle.
“Just as Swapo itself is a product and beneficiary of international solidarity, we remain deeply appreciative of the consistent friendship extended to the people of Namibia by China,” Shaningwa said.
The party also said support for the One-China policy promotes peace, sovereignty and cooperation between countries.
“We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China. Through dialogue and mutual respect, nations can coexist peacefully within a framework of sovereignty,” the statement said.
Political analyst Sackaria Johannes said the position reflects Swapo’s historical relationship with the Communist Party of China.
“There has historically been a strong connection between Swapo and the Communist Party of China dating back to the liberation struggle. This position is consistent with that history,” Johannes told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday.
He said the statement reflects a party position rather than an official state policy announcement.
“It is important to distinguish between party and state. This is a Swapo position, not necessarily a state policy statement, although the two may overlap,” he said.
Johannes said the position also reflects Swapo’s historical links with socialist movements.
Another political analyst, Daniel Frans, said Swapo’s stance on Taiwan has existed for many years.
Frans said the position could strengthen cooperation between Namibia and China.
“With bilateral agreements between the Communist Party, which is in charge of the government in China, and Swapo’s position, the two countries may share a common interest in the development of the two states,” he said.
He added that maintaining good relations with China remains important.
The dispute over Taiwan dates back to the Chinese Civil War, which ended in 1949 when Communist forces led by Mao Zedong took control of mainland China and established the People’s Republic of China.
The nationalist government led by Chiang Kai-shek retreated to Taiwan, where it continued operating as the Republic of China.
Today, Taiwan governs itself as a democracy, while Beijing continues to view the island as part of China. The issue remains one of the world’s most sensitive geopolitical disputes.
