Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has embarked on a significant tour of Africa from January 5 to 11, visiting Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria. This marks the 35th consecutive year since 1991 that China’s foreign ministers have chosen Africa for their first overseas trip of the year, underscoring China’s enduring commitment to strengthening ties with the continent.
Wang Yi’s visit aims to deepen China-Africa relations, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and facilitate the implementation of outcomes from the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This tour is expected to bolster the sustained and in-depth development of China-Africa relations into 2025, highlighting the importance of the partnership in addressing common challenges and pursuing shared growth.
The connection between China and Africa reflects a long-term vision for the prosperity of the Global South, emphasizing cross-continental diplomacy and economic cooperation. Both parties recognize the significance of collaboration in peace and security, economic integration across Africa, supply chain stability, and mutual prosperity. This history of cooperation forms a solid foundation for expanding diplomatic and strategic ties.
In 2024, the Sino-African relationship witnessed numerous successes. China provided unwavering support for Africa’s pursuit of a modernization path suited to their national circumstances. Initiatives like the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) adopted at the FOCAC Beijing Summit, dynamic economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), strong high-level exchanges, high-quality trade growth, and multiple climate cooperation efforts marked significant milestones.
As Africa’s top commercial partner for 15 consecutive years, China has achieved fruitful results through collaboration on technology transfers, talent development, and capacity building across various industries. These include manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, medicine, the digital economy, and agriculture.
Looking ahead to 2025, prospects appear stable and promising. The complementary nature of China and Africa’s economies suggests increased cooperation, with win-win partnerships and multilateral frameworks playing crucial roles. Partnerships in energy—particularly green technology and renewable energy—trade diversification, and agricultural modernization are poised to enhance economic cooperation and establish long-term, mutually beneficial commerce.
China’s growing influence in new energy, environmental development, and technological advancements aligns well with Africa’s economic needs. Strengthening these linkages, Chinese green and tech products—renowned for their quality and affordability—have found a receptive market in Africa, further solidifying the bond between the two regions.
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Wang Yi's visit highlights China's support for Africa's growth
cgtn.com
