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Nearly 600 Events Planned for 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges: FM Spokesperson
China and African countries are preparing to roll out close to 600 cultural and people-to-people exchange programmes in 2026, in a move aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and deepening ties between their societies.
The plan was announced by China’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, following the official launch of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa on Thursday.
Speaking at a regular media briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the year-long initiative was agreed by leaders from both sides during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit. She described the programme as a key platform for expanding dialogue between civilizations and reinforcing people-centered cooperation between China and Africa.
According to Mao, the exchanges will cover a wide range of areas, including culture, education, tourism, youth engagement and social development, offering new opportunities for interaction and cooperation between Chinese and African communities.
She noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping marked the opening ceremony with a congratulatory message, encouraging both sides to use the exchange year to build on long-standing friendship, expand people-to-people contacts, particularly among young people, enhance the sharing of governance experience, and jointly pursue modernization.
The spokesperson also confirmed that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the launch event in Addis Ababa, where he emphasized the progress achieved in recent years in China–Africa cultural and social exchanges. During the ceremony, Wang and African representatives jointly unveiled the official logo for the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Officials on both sides say the initiative is expected to reinforce public support for China–Africa relations and inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation beyond traditional political and economic engagement. The expanded exchanges are also seen as a step toward building a closer China–Africa community with a shared future, grounded in stronger connections between their peoples.
January 9, 2026
President Xi Sends Congratulatory Message to opening of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges
Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, describing the initiative as a milestone in deepening friendship and mutual understanding between China and African countries.
In the letter released on Thursday, Xi said the decision to organize the year of people-to-people exchanges coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and reflects an important consensus reached by leaders on both sides. He noted that the initiative marks a significant step toward consolidating public support for China–Africa relations at a new historical starting point.
Xi emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are an inexhaustible driving force for human progress, as well as for world peace and development. He pointed out that the great civilizations of China and Africa have enriched each other over thousands of years, forming the historical and intellectual foundation of the enduring China–Africa friendship.
The Chinese leader called on both sides to seize the opportunity presented by the exchange year to carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen civilizational dialogue, and expand people-to-people interactions, particularly among young people. He also urged deeper exchanges of experience in governance and closer cooperation in advancing modernization.
According to Xi, such efforts will help strengthen bonds among the more than 2.8 billion people of China and Africa, uniting their aspirations and strengths. He added that closer cooperation would enable both sides to make fresh contributions to Global South solidarity in addressing global challenges, promoting common human values, and building a community with a shared future for humanity.
The designation of 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges stems from agreements at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
It aligns with a broader theme of “Consolidate All-Weather Friendship, Pursue Shared Dream of Modernization,” featuring a range of activities in education, culture, tourism, sports, science, technology, and health.
The opening ceremony coincides with ongoing high-level engagements, including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visits to several African nations and attendance at related events at the African Union headquarters.
January 8, 2026
Full Text: China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South
We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.
I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.
II. We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address.
III. Given that certain countries’ attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. The international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries. Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people’s livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development.
IV. The African side commends China’s courage and resolve to defend international equity and justice and safeguard international economic and trade order. China highly commends African countries’ commitment to the basic principles of sovereignty, equality and justice and to upholding a common position in the face of external pressure. Unilateral concession cannot earn mutual respect. We resolutely oppose any party reaching a deal of compromise at the expense of the interests of other countries.
V. We call on the international community to uphold true multilateralism in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South.
VI. We will join hands in cementing the foundation of sovereign equality, maintaining that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community, and resolutely upholding international justice and order. We will continue to safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, stand side by side with mutual understanding and support amid chaos and changes, stabilize this uncertain world with the certainty of the China-Africa relationship, establish a benchmark for sincere friendship and equality in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world.
VII. We will unite to support and put into practice the vision of openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stay committed to the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, make solid progress in implementing the ten partnership actions for modernization, and support the implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, independence and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
VIII. China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market. For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products.
IX. China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization, prioritize cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, so as to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.
X. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. The List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a comprehensive, quantitative and tangible presentation of progress achieved. China and Africa will carry out the plans outlined in the Concept Paper of 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to contribute to the solidarity of the Global South.
June 11, 2025
Fruitful CIIE promotes China-Africa trade relationship
By Wang Lei, People’s Daily Online
The third China International Import Expo (CIIE), held between November 5 and 10 in Shanghai, is one of the few international conferences to physically take place this year following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Despite the uncertainties in the global market caused by the pandemic, the value of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services at the third CIIE reached $72.62 billion, a 2.1 percent year-on-year increase.
Zoey, the China Operations Director of the South Africa-China Cross-Border E-Commerce Association, told People’s Daily Online that through the platform offered by this year’s CIIE, they have received many orders and several cooperation intentions.
At the signing ceremony concluded at the exhibition hall on the 8th, Greenland Global Commodity Trading Hub Group and Karen Beef formally signed a beef purchase intent agreement worth $90 million.
Zoey said the corporation not only has an optimistic view of South African products entering the Chinese market, but also a high starting point for the two parties to continue to explore their cooperation pattern.
Justin Lee is the manager of one import and export trade company in China and two companies registered in South Africa.
He has signed a total of $2 million in deals on import and export trade of agricultural products from South Africa. His company has also signed a letter of intent for strategic cooperation with a leading global rescue insurance company from France.
.”The outcome from this expo for us is the best since the first expo in 2018,” he said.
Jacky Li, Chairman of Southern Africa Shanghai Chamber of Commerce and Managing Direct for Launch Technologies SA (Pty) Ltd, said there were orders worth $5 million for South African red wine, and orders worth $50 million for “South Africa green diamond” alfalfa grass.
“To meet the rising consumption demand from the market, Chinese importers are willing to spend more to buy,” Jacky said.
Initial statistics show that at least 411 new products, technologies and services made their China or global debuts at this year’s CIIE, much higher than the figure last year, according to Sun Chenghai, deputy director-general of the CIIE Bureau. The six-day expo, which ended on Tuesday, took up nearly 360,000 square meters of exhibition space, an increase of 30,000 sq m from the previous edition. Nearly
November 17, 2020
China pledges more support to Africa’s economy post COVID-19
The government of the People’s Republic of China has pledged greater support to Africa’s economic reopening post COVID-19 under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.
Mr Wang Yi, China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs made the pledge on Thursday in Beijing at a reception held by the Follow-up Committee of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to commemorate FOCAC’s 20th anniversary.
The Embassy of China in Nigeria disclosed this in a statement made available to on Thursday in Abuja.
According to the Embassy, Wang said, in his keynote address, that in the past decade, FOCAC had established itself as a pacesetter for cooperation with Africa and had come a long way in strengthening China-Africa solidarity and friendship.
The statement quoted Wang as saying that the world was currently undergoing changes unseen in a century, and that COVID-19 was accelerating the evolution of a new international order whose challenge calls for new responsibility and new actions.
He said the new international circumstances of COVID-19 called for important strategic decisions, which have become more relevant than ever.
The Chinese Foreign Minister said countries must remain guided by the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests.
“First, we need to strengthen solidarity and build a stronger community with a shared future. At the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, leaders of China and Africa agreed to build a stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.
“We need to firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty and dignity, by independently pursuing a development path suited to national realities’’, he said.
He noted that “in protecting legitimate rights to development and achieve national rejuvenation together through joint efforts’’;
“We need to tide over the current challenge together and build a China-Africa community of health for all. China will continue to work with Africa to fully deliver on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit’’.
Wang recalled that the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19, pledged greater focus on public health, economic reopening and improvement of livelihoods.
“I would like to reaffirm China’s firm commitment to making its vaccines a global public good.
“When the development of the vaccines is completed and they are available for use, China will actively consider providing them to African countries in need to help secure an early victory against the virus’’, he said.
He proposed that China and Africa need to pursue ‘’win-win cooperation’’ to build a China-Africa community of development for all, stressing that China will continue to support Africa in enhancing its infrastructure, advancing industrialization and building up capacity for independent development.
“China welcomes the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and will provide cash assistance and capacity-building training to its Secretariat.
“China and Africa need to deepen free trade cooperation and better connect industrial and supply chains so that Africa can better access the vast China market and join the international economic circulation’’, Wang said.
He pledged that China was also ready to work with Africa on a framework of strategic cooperation to jointly tackle the challenge posed by climate change, while calling for joint action in addressing other global challenges and participating in global governance.
“We need to embrace our responsibilities and work toward a community with a shared future for mankind. China and Africa are staunch supporters of multilateralism and important forces for world peace and development.
“We need to take on our historic duty to firmly safeguard the UN’s central role in international and multilateral affairs, defend basic norms governing international relations, and uphold multilateralism, fairness and justice.
“By doing so, we will bring about a more equitable and reasonable international order and an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity,” Wang stressed.
The Chinese foreign minister emphasized that FOCAC remained a valuable asset for both China and Africa, such that it needed to keep pace with the times, to ensure that the Forum remains a shining example of China-Africa relations.
He announced that China was ready to work with Africa to make good preparations on the arrangements and deliverables of the next FOCAC meeting scheduled to hold in Senegal in 2021
Wang expressed the hope that the meeting will create greater synergy between China’s second centenary goal and the AU’s Agenda 2063, form new consensus on China-Africa solidarity, explore new cooperation areas, and bring new benefits to the Chinese and African peoples.
NAN recalled that in 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari attended the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, during which he held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The ceremony also included the signing of some agreements between Nigeria and China in the areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the economy.
NAN
November 13, 2020
China-Africa photovoltaic cooperation benefits more Africans
By Wan Yu, People’s Daily
Photovoltaic power generation has grown into a new highlight of new energy development in Africa, as well as an important part of China-Africa cooperation in infrastructure construction. As the cooperation expands, more and more bulbs are being lighted in African families.
At the bank of the winding Tana River in Kenya’s North Eastern Province, a gigantic “blue sheet” is embedded on the golden savanna. The sheet, consisting of over 200,000 photovoltaic panels, covers an area of 85 hectares. It is by far the largest photovoltaic power project in Kenya, and even in East Africa. The 50 MW Garissa Solar Power Plant has largely reduced the local price of clean energy – the electricity is purchased by Kenya’s power department at 12 Kenyan shillings ($0.12) per kilowatt hours, which is 40 percent lower than the price of diesel power generation.
The project was raised by Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and financed by the Export-Import Bank of China. A consortium was established by China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd. and JinkoSolar, one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, to take charge for design, purchase, construction, installation and training. The project was completed and put into operation at the end of the last year.
MuminGedi, Chairman of Rahma village near the project witnessed the huge changes brought by the power plant. According to him, there were only a few diesel generators in the village that lighted several shops before the photovoltaic power plant was built, and all activities had to come to an end when the sun sank. Most of the villagers chose to work outside due to the dull lifestyle, he said.
He told People’s Daily that the construction of the photovoltaic power plant not only created jobs for local people, but also taught them skills. The plant’s construction and operation brought vitality to the village and lighted up the night.
A merchant there noted that the cheap electricity and night-time economy made him wealthy. “The stable power supply realized dreams of many villagers,” he said.
Peter Mbugua,CEO of Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation of Kenya, introduced that the power plant generates nearly 88 million kilowatt hours of electricity on an annual basis, which is able to satisfy the demand of around 350,000 residents, benefitting half of the population in Garissa, capital of North Eastern Province.
Half of Kenya’s electricity is generated hydraulically, so the power supply capability of the country is severely impacted in winter. Photovoltaic power generation is a great solution to the problem. The 50 MW Garissa Solar Power Plant has received high recognition from Kenyan President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, who said the stable power supply will greatly drive local economy.
Larry Rambi is a farmer in Mwachiroko village,Lusaka, capital of Zambia. His cottage isn’t connected to power grid, but he’s already enjoying the convenience of electricity, as the power supply problem is resolved by a domestic photovoltaic power supply system developed by Chinese firm StarTimes.
Rambi said photovoltaic power generation has put an end to his family history of lighting kerosene lamps. “We can watch TV at night, and our children can also study. It’s great to use the solar power,” he said.
StarTimes took its off-grid micro photovoltaic business to Kenya and Zambia almost two years ago. The service has been widely welcomed by local residents thanks to its economical performance, zero pollution, durability, safety and convenience. It is totally affordable for local farmers as they can pay on an installment basis.
So far, StarTimes has expanded the business to Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, bringing brightness and happiness to hundreds of thousands of African families.
An International Energy Agency report noted that nearly 70 percent of the population suffering from power shortage were in Africa the last year. Before 2018, about 80 percent of enterprises in sub-Saharan Africa suffered losses from frequent blackouts. Bloomberg predicted that the market of micro photovoltaic power generation will reach $128 billion in Africa by 2030.
China, through multiple ways of financing, is supporting the construction of photovoltaic generation, transmission, transformation and power grid in Africa, in an attempt to help the continent improve power supply and propel economic growth. As the price of photovoltaic devices continues to drop, photovoltaic power generation is increasingly becoming a highlight in Africa’s new energy sector. Commercial photovoltaic solutions will be more attractive in the post-pandemic era, said Jay Naidoo, CEO of IMPower Pty Ltd., a commercial photovoltaic enterprise in South Africa.
At present, more and more competitive Chinese companies are joining the photovoltaic construction in Africa, including China Gezhouba Group Corporation which announced in February to build a 500MW photovoltaic project in Uganda, and the Power Construction Corporation of China that signed an agreement with Zambian state-owned electric utility ZESCO in May for a $548 million photovoltaic project. Currently, 30 percent of the market share in Africa’s photovoltaic sector is controlled by Jinko Solar.
Meanwhile, China is also actively building talent training and tech-transfer mechanisms for African countries, as well as renewable energy cooperation and development centers.
September 1, 2020
China-Africa brotherhood bolstered in joint anti-pandemic efforts
As of June 2, China has sent a total of 148 medical workers to 11 African countries.
Since March, massive medical supplies donated by the Chinese government, companies and individuals have been distributed to over 50 African countries and regions.
The joint efforts to combat COVID-19 illustrate the enduring relationship between China and Africa.
The past few months have witnessed an ever-growing brotherhood and solidarity between China and Africa, which are joining hands in tackling the still-unfolding COVID-19 pandemic.
When the first case was confirmed on the African continent on Feb. 14, China, despite being ravaged by the virus then, rushed forward to help its African brothers by unreservedly providing medical supplies, sharing experience, as well as sending expert teams.
So far, Africa’s anti-epidemic efforts have achieved gratifying results despite the growing number of confirmed cases, maintaining a mortality rate far below the global average, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
SUCCESSIVE MISSIONS WIN ACCLAIM
On April 16, a 12-member team of health experts from the Chinese city of Tianjin arrived in Burkina Faso.
Visiting the Tengandogo University Hospital in Burkina Faso’s capital Ouagadougou twice, the Chinese experts shared their experience in fighting the virus with their local counterparts, who are caring for an increasing number of COVID-19 patients.
Alexandre Sanfo, director-general of the hospital, told Xinhua that the experience shared by the Chinese experts boosted the country’s COVID-19 prevention and control work, as well as its response system.
According to the Chinese Embassy in Burkina Faso, the team made a total of four field visits, and held eight training workshops, 14 interdisciplinary meetings, and 40 technical sessions during their stay in the West African country.
After the heavy workload in Burkina Faso, the team went to Abidjan, the capital city of Cote d’Ivoire, on a similar mission at the invitation of the Cote d’Ivoire government.
As of June 2, China has sent a total of 148 medical workers to 11 African countries, according to Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian.
Furthermore, 46 Chinese medical teams already stationed on site are also mobilized to help African nations contain the pandemic.
The Chinese medical workers are shuttling back and forth on the continent to race against the virus, which has won admiration from local medical staff and officials.
“It is a great show of solidarity,” said 57-year-old Legesse Alemu, a medical doctor at a public health facility in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.
“They brought with them highly needed know-how and first-hand experience, without which we would not be able to effectively respond to the virus,” said Alemu.
Grateful to the Chinese experts, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Health Claudine Lougue said their help will allow the country to minimize the risk of the COVID-19 spread.
“The mission was fruitful and the Chinese experts made relevant recommendations which we will contextualize according to our realities,” said the health minister.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote to the leader of the visiting Chinese medical team a letter, which read, “I write to express to you, and your colleagues, my deep personal gratitude, and that of my government and the people of Zimbabwe, for your unwavering support by sharing the expertise garnered from China’s victorious battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
CHINESE DONATIONS PROVIDE TIMELY HELP
Since March, massive medical supplies donated by the Chinese government, companies and individuals have been distributed to over 50 African countries and regions.
The timely donations, including face masks, disposable protective clothing, forehead thermometers as well as other equipment, have helped alleviate the continent’s shortage of medical supplies in the face of the epidemic.
The latest donation was made on July 14, when the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) donated a consignment of medical supplies, including 20,000 masks and 1,000 bottles of hand sanitizers, to African labor unions to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus among African workers.
ACFTU’s donation to the Organization of African Trade Union Unity also included office equipment, such as printers and laptops, to support the work of the union across the continent.
On June 30, the Communist Party of China (CPC) donated various medical supplies to Zambia’s governing party, the Patriotic Front (PF), as part of the efforts to help the country deal with the pandemic.
The materials were donated to the PF by the Chinese Embassy in Zambia on behalf of the CPC International Department. The donated items included 30,000 surgical face masks, 500 protective clothing and 240 thermometers.
Meanwhile, Chinese companies and individuals are also making their own contributions.
Jack Ma, Chinese tech entrepreneur and philanthropist, has donated three batches of medical supplies to 54 African countries via the Jack Ma and Alibaba foundations.
Following Ma’s announcement of donating the third batch of medical supplies, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said “I thanked Jack Ma for the donations of supplies to the AU Commission. This includes 4.6 million masks, 500,000 test kits, 200,000 personal protective equipment, as well as 300 ventilators.”
The chairperson of the 55-member pan African bloc also stressed that “these vital supplies will enhance the Africa CDC’s strategic stockpile to assist member states in the COVID-19 fight.”
LONG-LASTING SOLIDARITY
The joint efforts to combat COVID-19 illustrate the enduring relationship between China and Africa.
Since 1963, more than 22,000 Chinese health professionals have been sent to Africa to support local programs, which benefited about 220 million patients, according to Chinese Ambassador to Togo Chao Weidong.
The outbreak has boosted bilateral collaboration in the health sector between China and Africa, which will certainly enhance their shared vision of win-win cooperation.
When chairing the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against COVID-19 in June, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the two sides should work together to build a China-Africa community of health for all and take their comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership to greater heights.
Noting that China and Africa have withstood the immense challenge of COVID-19, Xi said the two sides must mobilize necessary resources, collaborate to protect people’s lives and health, and minimize the fallout from COVID-19.
Xi called on both sides to stay committed to fighting COVID-19 together, saying that China will continue to do whatever it can to support Africa’s response.
The Chinese president’s remarks were echoed by African leaders, who agree that solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa are the key to ultimately defeating COVID-19.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said at the meeting that the summit “demonstrates the depth and resilience of solidarity between China and Africa.”
“Sino-African solidarity and better multilateral cooperation is key to winning the battle against this pandemic,” he said, calling on both sides to continue to strengthen the bonds of solidarity and take collective action to secure the future of humanity.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame said that joint success in combatting COVID-19 was the result of years of bolstering ties under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, whose 20th anniversary will be marked later this year.
“The strength of the bond between Africa and China is clear,” Kagame said.
July 18, 2020
Any attempt to undermine China-Africa relations doomed to fail
By Zhong Sheng
China and Africa have reached wide consensus and great results at the Extraordinary
China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 held on June 17,
demonstrating their determination to defeat COVID-19 with solidarity and
cooperation at such a crucial moment.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, however, has recently issued a statement,
staining China’s commitment to Africa out of no reason and trying to impede China-
Africa anti-epidemic cooperation.
For the mainstream media in the U.S., this clumsy trick of Pompeo was not a surprise.
In fact, such accusations, which distort the truth, won’t change China-Africa
cooperation no matter how they are repeated, and the farce will only make Pompeo
and other U.S. politicians ridiculous trying to break the indestructible China-Africa
relations.
True friends can withstand the test of severe challenges. In the face of COVID-19,
China and Africa, which share the same outlook and destiny, have offered mutual
support, fought shoulder to shoulder with each other and strengthened friendship and
mutual trust.
China has always stood firmly with the African people. It has provided batches of
medical assistance for Africa, sent over 10 medical teams to Africa, shared its
experience in epidemic prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment, and announced a
series of measures to support Africa’s response to COVID-19 and improve the public
health capability of African countries.
Leaders of African countries have acknowledged that China has set a good example
of assisting Africa amid the epidemic, which demonstrated once again with concrete
efforts that China is a true friend and reliable partner of African countries in times of
difficulties and challenges.
Although Pompeo has gone out of his way to spread a political virus against China,
the African people have their own judgment. Peopeo’s lies and slanderous remarks
about China couldn’t possibly stand in front of the fact that China and Africa have
treated each other under the principle of equality and sought cooperation for mutual
benefits.
Out of zero-sum thinking and the pursuit for political interest, Pompeo is doing
everything to make up stories to stir things up. No wonder it is hard for an
untrustworthy person like Pompeo to understand or accept the principles of sincerity,
practical results, affinity and good faith that China has adhered to and the values of
friendship, justice and shared interests that China has upheld toward Africa.
It is evident to all that China-Africa investment and financing cooperation has played
an active role in facilitating the development of Africa and improving the livelihood
of the African people.
As pointed out by some leaders participating in the summit, unlike those who only
pay lip service, China genuinely thought for Africa and had offered sincere help to
Africa.
It is already recognized that China-Africa cooperation is for China to complement
Africa’s development through its own growth. China has helped build a series of
production projects and large-scale infrastructure projects at the request of African
countries, which has greatly helped African nations get started with developing their
economy and enhanced their capacity for independent development.
To cushion the impact of COVID-19 on African countries, China will give greater
support to those African countries that are hardest hit by the coronavirus and under
heavy financial stress on the basis of implementing G20’s Debt Service Suspension
Initiative (DSSI).
By politicizing the debt issue, Pompeo has used China-Africa cooperation as an
excuse to assault China. As wicked as the attempt may be, it is doomed to fail.
For Africa, the financing from China is an essential choice, said W. Gyude Moore, a
senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development, adding that the “debt-trap
diplomacy” reflects Western anxieties, not African realities.
In fact, African countries know perfectly who their true friend is. Dambisa Moyo,
Zambian economist as well as author of Dead Aid, has conducted an in-depth analysis
on the issues left by the traditional “donors” of Africa from the West and considered
China’s investment the best hope for Africa to develop economy.
Pompeo has guided the U.S., for the first time since 1945, into utter irrelevance in
dealing with a major global crisis. It is both sad and dangerous, to use Pompeo’s
words, that he has so damaged the State Department’s reputation.
What Pompeo says and does always seem to be filled with negative energy, which
completely disobeys his diplomatic responsibilities as well as the professional
qualities and moral values of a U.S. chief diplomat as he is.
International justice cannot be challenged in any way, and any attempt to undermine
China-Africa relations is shameful and doomed to fail. No one could undermine the
great unity between the Chinese and African peoples. No one could hold back the
Chinese people or the African people as they march toward rejuvenation. No one
could deny the remarkable achievements made in China-Africa cooperation, not with
their assumption or imagination. No one could stand in the way or obstruct
international efforts to support Africa’s development.
(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on
foreign policy.)
June 30, 2020
China-Africa cooperation writes new chapter of righteous cause

By He Yin
“Let me reaffirm China’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with Africa. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China shall never waver in its determination to pursue greater solidarity and cooperation with Africa.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks made in his speech delivered at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit On Solidarity Against COVID-19 indicated the firm resolve of China and Africa to jointly combat the novel coronavirus pneumonia, and charted the course for the two sides’ pragmatic cooperation in the future.
International public opinion holds that the summit has built a practical platform for China and Africa to learn each other’s demands, as well as make and implement a task list.
Huge impacts have been exerted on Africa’s economic and social development by the pandemic. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the economy in sub-Saharan Africa is expected to shrink by 1.6 percent this year. The pandemic will swipe away the positive progress achieved by the region, and even bring huge pressure on the economic growth of the region in the years to come. A World Bank report predicted that that overall sub-Saharan Africa’s economy will be between 2.1% and 5.1% smaller by the end of the year, triggering the first recession in the region over the past 25 years.
Undoubtedly, African countries are facing double pressure, from both the pandemic and economy. To support them in pandemic response will help them boost economic and social development, while to support them in economic and social development will help them better fight the virus. It is urgent to defeat COVID-19, as promoting economic and social development remains a fundamental approach to improve livelihood and well-being for the people.
“To cushion the impact of COVID-19, it is important to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation and accelerate the follow-ups to the FOCAC (Forum on China–Africa Cooperation) Beijing Summit. Greater priority needs to be given to cooperation on public health, economic reopening, and people’s livelihood.” What Xi said at the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit On Solidarity Against COVID-19 indicated China’s unswerving determination to advance China-Africa cooperation.
For those African countries that are hardest hit by the coronavirus and are under heavy financial stress, China will work with the global community to give them greater support, as it helps African countries enhance public health spending to better cope with the pandemic at the critical moment, and is conducive to Africa’s long-term and sustainable development. “China’s solidarity with Africa is a vital part of this effort,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Former South African diplomat Gert Grobler also pointed out that China has played the role of a responsible major country with its concrete actions.
Extending sympathy to and helping each other, China and Africa have embarked on a distinctive path of win-win cooperation.
China has been Africa’s largest trading partner in the past 10 years, as well as the biggest financier of the continent’s infrastructure. China-built industrial parks, factories, schools and hospitals are seen everywhere in Africa, and the country has helped the continent construct over 10,000 kilometers of roads, 6,000 kilometers of railways and over 100 airports, ports, and power stations.
China-Africa cooperation has greatly promoted Africa’s development. To help the continent get rid of the pandemic as soon as possible, China supports Africa in its effort to develop the African Continental Free Trade Area and to enhance connectivity and strengthen industrial and supply chains.China will explore broader cooperation with Africa in such new business forms as digital economy, smart city, clean energy, and 5G to boost Africa’s development and revitalization.
These efforts for China-Africa cooperation will lay a solid foundation for Africa’s development in the post-pandemic era, and further indicate Xi’s remarks made at the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit five years ago:”Friendship and justice, which defines China-Africa relations, require us to facilitate Africa’s development endeavor with China’s development and ultimately deliver win-win progress and common development through mutually beneficial cooperation.”
The pandemic won’t impede the progress of China-Africa solidarity and cooperation. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the FOCAC, as well as a new starting point for China-Africa joint development. All the ten cooperation plans with Africa raised by China at the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit have been implemented, and significant progress has been achieved regarding the eight major initiatives in close collaboration with African countries raised by China at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the FOCAC.
The urgent task remains that China and Africa seize the major opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative,and see to it that the Belt and Road Initiative and the AU Agenda 2063, the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the development programs of African countries better complement each other, so as to expand areas of cooperation, unlock new cooperation potential,consolidate their traditional areas of cooperation, and foster new highlights of cooperation in the new economy.
Both parties agreed to chart the course for China-Africa cooperation in a post-COVID-19 era, and work together to on the 2021 FOCAC calendar, as they promised in the Joint Statement of the Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19.
The logo of FOCAC indicates peace and development, as well as vitality and prosperity. It is a vivid description of China-Africa friendship and cooperation. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, China shall never waver in its determination to pursue greater solidarity and cooperation, peace and development, and vitality and prosperity with Africa.
The Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19 has made a new blueprint for China-Africa cooperation and injected new energy into Africa’s economic revival, signaling a bright future for the China-Africa community with a shared future that the two sides have been striving for.
June 22, 2020