China and Africa Strengthen Cooperation as Global Trade Tensions Rise

As global trade uncertainties persist, China is reaffirming its long-standing commitment to Africa through deepened diplomatic, economic, and cultural partnerships. Amid shifting U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, including new tariffs on African imports, China is stepping up as a reliable and forward-looking development partner, particularly for key nations such as South Africa.

At the recent BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral discussions with his South African counterpart, Ronald Lamola. The meeting underscored the growing importance of China-South Africa relations within the broader context of China-Africa cooperation. Minister Wang emphasized China’s desire to share modernization benefits with African nations and promote inclusive development while standing together against protectionism and unilateralism.

China’s engagement comes at a time when many African nations are contending with the consequences of reduced U.S. trade support. The United States recently imposed a 10% base tariff on goods from 29 African countries, including significantly higher tariffs on exports from South Africa, Angola, and Botswana. These developments threaten to undermine initiatives like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a cornerstone of U.S.-Africa trade for over two decades.

In contrast, China is reinforcing partnerships through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and its Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027). The plan outlines substantial investment in infrastructure, industrialization, digital technology cooperation, and support for African small and medium-sized enterprises. China’s approach emphasizes mutually beneficial development and long-term capacity building.

The cultural dimension of China-Africa relations is also flourishing. Upcoming events such as the 2025 China-Kenya culture and tourism season and the launch of the China Cultural Center in Nairobi signal Beijing’s intent to deepen people-to-people connections and promote mutual understanding.

According to John Calabrese, a U.S. foreign policy expert at American University, China’s active engagement in Africa, particularly in comparison to the unpredictability of recent U.S. foreign policies, positions it as “a different kind of global power.” This view is gaining traction across the continent, especially in light of Africa’s increasing desire for partnerships based on respect, equity, and shared development goals.

With its consistent, multilateral approach, China continues to enhance its role as a trusted partner and contributor to Africa’s development vision, and in particular, as a close ally of South Africa in shaping a more balanced global order.