The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has unveiled ambitious new plans to elevate China-Africa cooperation, emphasizing a shared journey toward modernization.
During a press briefing on Tuesday after meeting with Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo, Wang Yi highlighted the importance of the partnership between China and Africa. As co-chairs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), both sides are committed to advancing ten partnership action plans aimed at mutual development.
At the opening of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed six key aspects for modernization, emphasizing a just and equitable, open and win-win approach that puts people first, embraces diversity and inclusivity, promotes eco-friendliness, and ensures peace and security.
To turn these visions into reality, Wang Yi stated that China and Africa will strengthen the alignment of development strategies, exchange governance experiences, and enrich the spirit of “China-Africa friendly cooperation” to set a new global benchmark.
Specific actions include eliminating tariffs on products from all least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, including 33 African countries. Additionally, plans are underway to build a comprehensive land-sea connectivity network, implement 1,000 small-scale livelihood projects, and improve trade and investment cooperation mechanisms.
Wang Yi outlined a roadmap for FOCAC’s next three years, including a ministerial meeting this year to coordinate the implementation of the Beijing Summit outcomes, celebrations of the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations in 2026, and preparations for the 10th Ministerial Conference in 2027.
On climate cooperation, Wang Yi highlighted China’s contributions to Africa’s green development, including photovoltaic power projects with a total installed capacity exceeding 1.5 gigawatts. The two sides will implement the green development partnership action to support clean energy projects and help Africa transition to a low-carbon development path.
He also called for greater fairness in global climate governance, urging developed countries to fulfill their obligations by providing funding, technology, and capacity-building support to African nations.
Reference(s):
Wang Yi calls for enhancing FOCAC for China-Africa cooperation
cgtn.com
