BEIJING — On Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted a significant gathering in Beijing to commemorate Africa Day, underscoring China’s enduring commitment to its partnership with the African continent.
The event brought together ambassadors and senior diplomats from over 50 African nations, as well as representatives from the African Union, marking a collective reaffirmation of shared goals and mutual respect.
Minister Wang highlighted the longstanding and evolving nature of China-Africa relations, noting that since the inception of China’s new era, President Xi Jinping has made five visits to Africa, articulating a guiding philosophy for engagement characterised by sincerity, mutual benefit, and shared interests.
This partnership has recently been elevated to what Wang termed an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era,” reflecting what he described as “the best period in the history of China-Africa relations.”
Central to the discussions was the 2023 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, where President Xi proposed six key aspects for joint modernization and ten partnership actions aimed at advancing shared development. Wang emphasized China’s readiness to implement these initiatives, focusing on infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and green energy projects.
In his address, Wang also addressed global challenges, calling for enhanced solidarity between China and Africa amid increasing international uncertainty. He advocated for joint opposition to power politics, the promotion of multilateralism, and the defense of a United Nations-centered international system.
African diplomats in attendance expressed strong support for China’s global initiatives, pledging to work closely with China to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and defend the shared interests of countries in the Global South.
As the world navigates complex geopolitical landscapes, the reaffirmation of China-Africa ties on Africa Day serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of international cooperation and mutual respect.
