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BEIJING, Dec. 21-- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday underscored the one-China principle as he hosted Gambian President Adama Barrow on his first China visit since diplomatic relations were resumed last year. The two countries established formal diplomatic links in 1974, but China suspended relations in 1995 when the west African country resumed so-called "diplomatic" ties with Taiwan. Gambia severed ties with Taiwan in 2013. "Upholding the one-China principle and the big picture of bilateral friendship, China and Gambia should understand and support each other on issues relating to core interests and major concerns, and be sincere friends and partners on an equal footing," Xi said during the talks at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing. Xi said Gambia's decision to resume diplomatic relations with China is a "correct choice," which follows the trend of the times and serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. Barrow said the resumption of diplomatic ties fully accords with the will of the Gambian people. He said the Gambian people respect the Chinese people, reaffirming that his country will firmly adhere to the one-China policy. Hailing the sound development of bilateral cooperation since the resumption of ties, Xi said such cooperation has brought tangible results to both peoples. Xi and Barrow agreed to map out future cooperation in their talks. | 
