Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to deepen China-Africa cooperation, emphasizing shared development and modernization efforts. Speaking after a meeting with Denis Sassou Nguesso, president of the Republic of the Congo, on Tuesday, Wang outlined plans to enhance partnership through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that as co-chairs of FOCAC, China and Congo are poised to advance ten partnership action plans aimed at fostering China-Africa modernization. These plans are rooted in the vision presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit.
At the summit, President Xi proposed six key aspects for modernization, advocating for a development model that is just and equitable, open and win-win, people-centered, diverse and inclusive, eco-friendly, and peaceful and secure. He announced ten partnership actions to propel China and Africa toward these shared modernization goals.
To realize these objectives, Wang Yi emphasized the importance of aligning development strategies and exchanging governance experiences between China and African nations. “We aim to enrich the spirit of China-Africa friendly cooperation and set a global benchmark,” Wang stated.
Specific actions outlined include eliminating tariffs on products from all least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China, encompassing 33 African nations. Additionally, plans are underway to build a comprehensive land-sea connectivity network, implement 1,000 small-scale livelihood projects, and enhance trade and investment cooperation mechanisms.
Wang revealed a detailed roadmap for FOCAC’s activities over the next three years. Key measures include holding a ministerial meeting this year to coordinate the implementation of the Beijing Summit outcomes, celebrating the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations in 2026, and preparing for the 10th Ministerial Conference in 2027 to ensure the full achievement of the summit’s goals.
In addressing climate cooperation, Wang highlighted China’s contributions to Africa’s green development, noting photovoltaic power projects with a total installed capacity exceeding 1.5 gigawatts. He affirmed that China and Africa will implement the green development partnership action to support clean energy projects, aiding Africa’s transition to a low-carbon development path.
Moreover, Wang 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.
Wang Yi’s announcements signal a strengthened commitment between China and Africa to collaborative development and modernization. The outlined initiatives reflect a shared vision for a more equitable and sustainable future, solidifying the ties between China and the African continent.
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Wang Yi calls for enhancing FOCAC for China-Africa cooperation
cgtn.com
