China and Malawi established diplomatic relations from December 28, 2007, Chinese Foreign Ministry announced in Beijing on Monday.

A joint communique says the governments of China and Malawi, inconformity with the interests and desire of the two peoples, have decided to recognize each other and establish diplomatic relations between the two countries at ambassadorial level as from December 28, 2007.

The Chinese government supports the Malawian government in its efforts to safeguard its state sovereignty and develop its economy, says the joint communique.

The Malawian government recognizes that there is but one China in the world, that the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, according to the joint communique.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Malawian Minister for Presidential and Parliamentary Affairs Davis Katsonga exchanged views on the future development of China-Malawi relations after signing the joint communique in Beijing.

(Xinhua News Agency January 15, 2008)