China now has diplomatic relations with 53 African countries, with the sole exception of Eswatini, according to a white paper published Friday.

Over the past years, more African countries have joined the extended family of China-Africa friendship, said the white paper titled "China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals."

China restored ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations with The Gambia on March 17, 2016, with Sao Tome and Principe on December 26, 2016, and with Burkina Faso on May 26, 2018.