China–Eritrea relations refers to the current and historical relationship between China and Eritrea. Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and, as of 2007, relations between the two states registered "smooth growth".
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Prior to independence
China supported the Eritrean independence movement through the Eritrean Liberation Front and later the Eritrean People's Liberation Front. Beginning in 1967, today's Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki received military training in China.
Economic relations
Eritrea borrowed $3 million in 1994 to buy Chinese agricultural machinery. In 2001, China canceled Eritrea's debt by granting Eritrea a grant for the same amount. China has financed a number of development projects, including a 200-bed hospital in the Eritrean capital of Asmara. In April 2006, China granted Eritrea a loan of $23 million to improve communication infrastructure. In January 2007, China and Eritrea signed economic deals, which included the removal of tariffs on Eritrean products imported to China, the partial cancellation of Eritrea's debt to China and an extension of Chinese technical assistance to Eritrea, particularly in the health sector.
Visits
In 2001, Chinese vice-minister for foreign trade and economic cooperation, Zhou Keren, visited Eritrea on a 3-day visit. In early 2007, Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing visited the country as part of a tour of Africa.