Beijing is all set to host African leaders at the landmark 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a key event aimed at deepening political and economic ties between China and African nations.
This summit marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to foster a shared future destiny based on mutual respect and benefit. As Beijing rolls out the red carpet for African leaders, the forum is set to become the biggest participation of African leaders outside of the African Union.
China-Africa cooperation through FOCAC will not only deepen the existing economic and political bonds but also elevate the strategic partnership between the two regions. African nations, endowed with rich natural resources, have been historically exploited by the United States and some other Western countries. In the past decades, African nations have increasingly turned towards China for cooperation that promises win-win outcomes. This shift represents a collective move towards setting up partnerships that benefit both sides equally.
A comparative analysis of China’s cooperation in Africa and the Western exploitation of African resources reveals a stark contrast in the approaches of the two. Beijing’s strategy in Africa is fundamentally different, focusing on mutual benefit and respect. In contrast, the colonial and post-colonial approaches of the U.S. and other Western countries have often led to setbacks, best illustrated by France’s recent challenges in the Sahel region of Africa.
China’s involvement in Africa is most visible through its investments in infrastructure development. Under multiple programs, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China has significantly contributed to developing and upgrading infrastructure across the continent. The construction of roads, bridges, railways, and other key infrastructures has facilitated faster transportation and improved communication networks in many African countries. Ranging from Djibouti in the northeast to Nigeria in the west and Angola in the south, about 50 countries across the continent are witnessing rapid infrastructure development through Chinese support. New electricity projects, seaports and airports, highways, and water supply projects are aimed at sustainable development instead of extraction alone.
China’s contribution extends beyond infrastructure into critical sectors such as health. The Chinese government has played a crucial role in upgrading healthcare facilities and addressing epidemics across Africa. This support has been instrumental in improving the overall health standards in many regions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese support for African nations demonstrated a sense of humanity and shared friendship beyond borders.
Reference(s):
FOCAC 2024: Strengthening China-Africa ties for a shared future
cgtn.com
