President Xi Jinping advocates for deeper China-Africa ties
On Thursday, President Xi Jinping of China emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between China and Africa to further develop a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.
Xi made these remarks during his keynote address at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is taking place in Beijing from September 4 to September 6, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
The summit is themed: “Joining hands to advance modernization and build a community with a shared future.”
Xi highlighted that the friendship between China and Africa transcends both time and geography, overcoming natural barriers and enduring through generations. He noted that the establishment of FOCAC in 2000 was a significant milestone in the history of China-Africa relations.
Over the past 24 years, China and Africa have worked closely together, characterized by sincerity, tangible outcomes, and mutual goodwill. Xi emphasized that both parties have supported each other in defending their legitimate rights amidst global changes and have become stronger through economic globalization, benefiting millions of people in both regions.
He recounted the collaborative efforts to tackle natural disasters and pandemics, which have forged enduring bonds between China and Africa. Xi called for elevating bilateral relations to a strategic level for all African countries with diplomatic ties to China.
Xi stressed that modernization is a fundamental right for all nations and criticized the Western approach to modernization, which has caused significant suffering in developing countries. He acknowledged the progress of Third World countries, including China and African nations, in achieving independence and development since World War II, and their efforts to rectify historical injustices in modernization.
The joint pursuit of modernization by China and Africa, Xi stated, will catalyze modernization across the Global South and usher in a new era of collaborative global community building. He advocated for a modernization process that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable, with a focus on people’s welfare, diversity, environmental friendliness, and peace and security.
President Xi assured African nations of China’s commitment to partnering in ten key areas: industrial chain development, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people exchanges, green development, and common security. He pledged that the Chinese government will allocate RMB 360 billion in financial support over the next three years to implement these partnership actions. This includes RMB 210 billion in credit lines, RMB 80 billion in various forms of assistance, and at least RMB 70 billion in investments by Chinese companies in Africa. Additionally, China will support Africa in issuing panda bonds to enhance results-oriented cooperation.
