China and Eritrea both expressed opposition to hegemonic and interference acts as the two leaders met on Monday. At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Isaias Afwerki of the State of Eritrea is paying a state visit to China. A welcome ceremony was held before the two held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. During their talks, Xi stressed that China appreciates Eritrea's long-term adherence to an independent foreign policy, adding that China firmly supports Eritrea to explore development paths suited to its national conditions and to safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests. China opposes external interference in Eritrea's internal affairs and the imposition of unilateral sanctions against Eritrea, Xi told Afwerki. He said China is willing to exchange experiences in governance with Eritrea, and called on the two sides to continue to support each other, jointly oppose unilateralism and bullying and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and the developing countries. President Afwerki pointed out that the African countries are still facing hegemonism and various unfair and unjust treatments. "China is a great country," said the Eritrean president. He stressed China has always proposed a Chinese solution to solve the challenges facing the world, and upholds fairness and justice. The international community believes that China will make greater contributions to human development and progress, as well as international fairness and justice, Afwerki added. 30 years of diplomatic ties China-Eritrea relations were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2022. The upcoming May 24 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Noting that China and Eritrea enjoy a traditional friendship, President Xi said that over the past 30 years, China and Eritrea have always trusted and supported each other.