Emperor Haile Selassie I and China: A Meeting of Ancient Civilizations

🇨🇳 China — The Ancient Dragon of the East

China, with its 5,000-year-old civilization, shares something profound with Ethiopia — both are among the world’s most ancient continuous cultures.
When Emperor Haile Selassie I visited China, it represented a powerful dialogue between two sovereign nations with immense historical weight.

The Historic Visit

Haile Selassie made his first state visit to the People’s Republic of China in 1971.
He was officially received by Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai — two of the most influential Chinese leaders of the 20th century.
The Emperor was given full state honors, including massive welcoming ceremonies in Beijing.

Themes of the Visit

Respect Between Ancient Civilizations:
Both Ethiopia and China had endured invasions, colonial pressures, and internal struggles — yet both survived with their national identity intact.
South-South Cooperation:
Haile Selassie emphasized solidarity between developing nations, especially Africa and Asia, to create a more balanced world order.
Cultural Sovereignty:
Both nations celebrated their rich traditions, rejecting the notion that Westernization was the only path to modernity.

Key Events

Formal meetings with Chairman Mao Zedong at the Great Hall of the People.
Diplomatic discussions with Premier Zhou Enlai on trade, education, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
Visits to Chinese historic sites, such as the Forbidden City and revolutionary memorials, showcasing China’s rich history and the new socialist era.

and Strategic Importance

Non-Aligned Movement:
Ethiopia, under Haile Selassie, was a leading voice in the Non-Aligned Movement — seeking peaceful relations without siding completely with either the Western or Eastern blocs during the Cold War.
China strongly supported this position.
Economic Cooperation:
Agreements were made for Chinese technical support in Ethiopian infrastructure projects.
Political Support:
China affirmed its respect for Ethiopia’s sovereignty and Haile Selassie’s vision for a modern, independent Africa.

Cultural Exchange

Ethiopian and Chinese artists performed traditional music and dance during ceremonies.
Educational exchanges were discussed, allowing Ethiopian students to study engineering and medicine in Chinese universities.
Gifts were exchanged, symbolizing friendship and mutual respect between the two ancient empires.

Legacy of the Visit

Haile Selassie’s visit laid the foundation for a long-term friendship between Ethiopia and China, a relationship that continues to grow stronger to this day.
It also reinforced the global perception of Ethiopia as an independent African power capable of engaging with all major nations, East and West.
The visit stood as a symbol of dignity, sovereignty, and mutual respect among ancient civilizations navigating the modern world.