China and Africa Reaffirm Strong Ties on Africa Day, Pledge Shared Modernization

Beijing, China – China has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with African nations, emphasizing unity, solidarity, and shared modernization. The message was delivered during a high-level meeting hosted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with more than 50 African ambassadors and envoys in Beijing on Monday, in celebration of Africa Day.

Wang hailed the current state of China-Africa relations as the “best period in history,” noting that China has upgraded its diplomatic ties with all African countries it has formal relations with to the level of strategic partnerships. He underscored the transformation of this partnership into what he called an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”

The event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a cornerstone of China’s diplomatic and development engagement with the continent. Over the past quarter-century, FOCAC has become a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation, producing tangible results in infrastructure, education, trade, health, and governance.

Looking ahead, Wang emphasized that China will continue to stand by Africa on issues concerning core interests and major concerns. “China will remain Africa’s most sincere friend and most reliable partner,” he said.

He also highlighted the upcoming coordinators’ meeting to review the implementation of follow-up actions from the ninth FOCAC Ministerial Conference. According to Wang, the meeting presents a new opportunity to accelerate shared modernization and drive China-Africa cooperation to new heights.

Wang stressed the importance of strengthening multilateralism in the face of global instability. “The more turbulent and intertwined the international situation becomes, the more China and Africa should strengthen solidarity and cooperation,” he said. He called on both sides to oppose power politics, uphold the UN-centered international order, and promote liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment.

The African envoys at the gathering echoed these sentiments, praising China’s practical cooperation with Africa and its significant contributions to the continent’s development. They noted that China has set a global example for cooperation with African nations, especially through FOCAC.

“China’s support has improved the well-being of our people and set a model for international cooperation,” said one envoy. The African diplomats reaffirmed their countries’ support for the one-China principle and opposition to foreign interference in China’s internal affairs.

They also expressed full confidence in expanding ties with the world’s second-largest economy and pledged to continue working with China to promote the principles of the United Nations Charter and safeguard the collective interests of the Global South.

Wang reiterated that China will always support Africa’s just positions and advocate for a stronger voice for African countries on the global stage. “China-Africa relations have achieved leapfrog development,” Wang said. “Our cooperation continues to reach new heights, exploring deeper, broader, and more innovative areas.”

The meeting concluded with a strong sense of unity and a renewed commitment to a future defined by shared prosperity and enduring partnership between China and the African continent.