Africa is a land of immense potential and hope in the 21st century, and the world cannot achieve true modernization without the modernization of Africa, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Friday. Speaking at a press conference during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, Wang highlighted the crucial role Africa plays in global development.
Wang Yi emphasized China’s strong and growing ties with African nations. “China has established strategic partnerships with all African countries that have diplomatic ties with us,” he said. “The China-Africa community with a shared future has been elevated to an ‘all-weather’ level.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a platform that has significantly bolstered collaboration between China and Africa. Over the past quarter-century, China has made substantial contributions to Africa’s infrastructure development, helping to build and upgrade 100,000 kilometers of roads and more than 10,000 kilometers of railways across the continent.
In addition to infrastructure, China’s involvement in Africa has created over 1 million jobs in the last three years alone, according to Wang. China has also maintained its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, underscoring the deep economic ties between the two regions.
“The world must listen to Africa, heed its concerns, and support it in exploring a new development path of self-reliance and self-strengthening,” Wang Yi urged. He called on the international community to recognize Africa’s vital role in global modernization efforts.
Wang’s remarks reflect China’s commitment to fostering mutual growth and development with African nations, emphasizing that the progress of Africa is integral to the progress of the entire world.
