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The 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) marked another milestone in the evolving relationship between China and Africa. At the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a welcoming banquet at the Great Hall of the People, attended by African and international dignitaries. President Xi’s speech at the banquet emphasized the shared future between China and Africa, which he described as built on a strong foundation, nurtured with successful cooperation, and poised for broad prospects. His remarks reflected China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Africa, elevating the partnership to a new level as both regions pursue mutual development and revitalization.
The importance of this summit is underscored by the scale of participation. Over 50 African heads of state, government leaders, and representatives gathered in Beijing, along with prominent figures from international organizations such as the African Union Commission and the United Nations. The summit drew over 3,000 registered journalists, making it one of the largest diplomatic events China has hosted in recent years. The participation of such a wide array of international figures highlights the significance of the summit not just for China and Africa but for the broader Global South.
As the summit unfolds, three “new” outcomes are expected to emerge, shaping the trajectory of China-Africa relations. First, the summit signals the start of a new journey toward building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. This concept, central to President Xi’s foreign policy, envisions a world where nations work together to achieve common development and prosperity. For Africa, this means working closely with China on projects that drive industrialization, improve infrastructure, and boost trade.
Second, the summit will gather fresh momentum for deepening cooperation across various sectors. Traditional areas such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure remain vital components of the China-Africa partnership. However, new fields of collaboration are rapidly emerging, including green development, healthcare, finance, and digital innovation. The expansion of cooperation into these areas reflects the evolving needs of both China and Africa as they navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
Third, the summit is expected to write a new chapter in the enduring friendship between the people of China and Africa. This relationship, deeply rooted in shared struggles against imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, has evolved into a partnership focused on mutual growth and modernization. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a flagship project of President Xi’s global vision, has played a key role in strengthening this bond. Through the BRI, China has helped African nations build and upgrade critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, bridges, and ports, contributing significantly to Africa’s economic development.
The Eighth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs, held alongside the summit, highlights the importance of private sector engagement in the China-Africa partnership. Corporate representatives from both regions discussed the integration of industrial and supply chains and the development of emerging industries such as new energy vehicles. These discussions are particularly timely, given Africa’s increasing focus on green development and China’s leadership in electric vehicle technology.
The complementarity between China and Africa in these emerging industries is striking. China’s manufacturing capacity and technological expertise, combined with Africa’s abundant natural resources and growing consumer markets, create a powerful synergy. As African nations seek to modernize their economies, they are looking to China as a partner that can provide the necessary technology, capital, and expertise to drive this transformation.
China-Africa trade reached $282.1 billion in 2023, marking 15 consecutive years of China being Africa’s largest trading partner. This robust trade relationship is supported by China’s commitment to investing in Africa’s industrialization and infrastructure. In recent years, Chinese companies have built thousands of kilometers of roads and railways, improving Africa’s transportation networks and logistics efficiency. These projects not only enhance Africa’s connectivity but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Moreover, China’s focus on green development aligns with Africa’s aspirations for sustainable growth. The collaboration on new energy projects, including solar, wind, and hydropower, is helping African nations reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources. As the global community grapples with the challenges of climate change, the China-Africa partnership is demonstrating how countries can work together to achieve environmentally sustainable development.
The Belt and Road Initiative has become a cornerstone of China-Africa cooperation, with 52 African countries and the African Union Commission having signed cooperation agreements with China. Through the BRI, China has helped African nations build critical infrastructure that supports industrialization and economic growth. Roads, railways, ports, and energy projects funded and constructed by Chinese companies have transformed Africa’s physical and economic landscape, creating the conditions for long-term development.
China’s involvement in Africa is not limited to infrastructure. Chinese companies have also invested in education, healthcare, and technology, helping African countries develop human capital and build the skills necessary for modernization. The combination of infrastructure development and capacity building is providing African nations with the tools they need to achieve their development goals.
Western media, which has long been critical of China-Africa cooperation, has recently begun to change its tone. While some outlets continue to repeat accusations of “debt traps,” these claims have been widely debunked. In reality, African countries have benefited significantly from their partnerships with China. China-Africa cooperation has helped African nations improve their infrastructure, industrialize their economies, and enhance their global competitiveness.
As economic globalization faces a “trust crisis,” the success of the China-Africa partnership offers valuable lessons for the world. The collaboration between China and Africa demonstrates the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that prioritize development, innovation, and inclusivity. By working together, China and Africa are not only expanding the economic “cake” but also showing the world that it is possible to achieve sustainable development through cooperation.
As the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit draws to a close, the future of China-Africa relations looks brighter than ever. The shared destiny of China and Africa, rooted in a history of solidarity and mutual support, is now focused on building a prosperous and sustainable future. The 2.8 billion people of China and Africa will continue to strengthen their unity and cooperation, injecting new momentum into the Global South and opening new horizons for global development.
As both regions work toward their shared goals of modernization and revitalization, the China-Africa partnership will remain a cornerstone of international cooperation. In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the enduring friendship between China and Africa offers a model for building a community with a shared future for mankind.
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