Changsha, China – Representatives from the People’s Republic of China and 53 African countries gathered in Changsha, the capital of Central China’s Hunan Province, for a milestone meeting aimed at strengthening their partnership and shaping a shared future.
The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) took place on June 11, marking a significant step forward in turning strategic commitments into tangible actions. The meeting focused on implementing the outcomes achieved at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC.
A New Era of Cooperation
The Changsha meeting is more than a routine diplomatic event; it’s a pivotal moment that underscores the commitment of both China and Africa to move from declarations to real, long-term collaboration. Through the China-Africa Changsha Declaration On Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, both sides reaffirmed their dedication to building a China-Africa community with a shared future, ready to tackle global challenges like economic instability and geopolitical disruptions with unity and fairness.
Concrete Actions for Shared Growth
China announced a comprehensive package of support measures, including zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China. This move, along with technical and customs facilitation for the least developed nations, opens the door for African products to enter the vast Chinese market more competitively.
Mutual Respect and Strategic Complementarity
This cooperation is built on mutual respect and strategic complementarity, not on aid or charity. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative are practical tools for creating a new model of international relations based on mutual benefit and joint progress.
Towards a Fair Global System
Participants emphasized the need to confront unilateralism and protectionism, calling for genuine multilateralism grounded in consultation and mutual benefit. Strengthening the roles of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization was highlighted as essential in restoring balance to the global system.
President Xi Jinping’s Message
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to the meeting, pledging new opportunities through Chinese modernization and new momentum for Africa and other Global South partners. He outlined an ambitious agenda that includes cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as green industry, e-commerce, digital payments, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, along with collaboration in security, finance, and the rule of law.
Building a Shared Future
The China-Africa partnership is gaining a new dimension that goes beyond economics to include cultural and human development. Cooperation is expanding into areas like education, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges, strengthening long-term mutual understanding and integration.
A Beacon for the Global South
The Changsha meeting stands as a beacon for other nations in the Global South, representing a unified vision for an international order that is just, multipolar, and offers equal opportunities for all. It is an open invitation to join in building a balanced, cooperative, and ambitious global vision.
