China and Africa have announced plans to deepen their cooperation to protect the interests of developing nations amid rising global tensions and a resurgence of Cold War-style thinking. Liu Yuxi, China’s special envoy for African affairs, stated on Tuesday that both sides would work together to counter what he described as the “surging hegemonism and cold war mentality” affecting the world today.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, Liu highlighted the importance of the partnership between China and Africa in the current geopolitical climate. He explained that the upcoming summit, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing from September 3rd to 6th, will see the introduction of an action plan aimed at strengthening cooperation in global governance, security, trade, and investment over the next three years.
“In the face of the surging hegemonism and cold war mentality, China and Africa will work more closely together in great solidarity to deepen our cooperation,” Liu said. “We will give each other stronger support on issues concerning our core interests and major concerns, and work side-by-side to safeguard the legitimate interests of developing countries.”
Liu emphasized that the relationship between China and Africa is built on mutual respect and shared goals. He noted that the two regions complement each other well in terms of development strengths. “Africa boasts abundant natural resources and a large population that is experiencing rapid urbanization, while China is focused on reforming and modernizing its development model,” Liu stated. He added that China is actively working to create a new development framework that emphasizes high-quality growth, leveraging its advantages in capital, technology, and developmental experience.
China has long been Africa’s largest trading partner and a key source of investment, with billions of dollars directed toward infrastructure projects, technology, and various development programs across the continent. For Africa, China’s involvement is seen as crucial for economic growth, particularly in sectors like energy, transportation, and telecommunications. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious global development strategy initiated by President Xi Jinping, has seen significant investments in Africa, further solidifying the continent’s role in China’s broader geopolitical and economic plans.
African leaders are currently in Beijing for the FOCAC summit, where they will discuss ways to expand cooperation with China in a variety of fields. As the global political landscape shifts, Africa’s strategic importance has become more evident. The continent’s rapidly growing population, abundant natural resources, and significant voting power in the United Nations make it an essential partner for global powers seeking to influence international governance and trade.
Liu highlighted that the partnership between China and Africa serves as an example of multilateralism, insisting that it is not “exclusive” and should not be seen as a threat by other nations. He stated that the cooperation between China and Africa is built on the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and respect for each other’s development paths. “The collaboration between China and Africa is about empowering developing nations to take charge of their own destinies,” Liu said.
The strategic importance of Africa is increasingly recognized worldwide, as evidenced by the growing interest of major powers in the continent. The United States, in particular, has shifted its foreign policy to focus more on China, which the Biden administration views as its primary economic and military rival. Liu addressed this dynamic by stating, “Africa should no longer be a battleground for major powers.” He urged the international community to consider Africa’s perspective and support its peace and development.
The FOCAC summit aims to foster stronger political and economic ties between China and African countries while promoting sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as poverty, climate change, and public health. The summit is expected to produce new agreements on trade, infrastructure, and financial cooperation, building on the commitments made at previous FOCAC gatherings.
Liu also highlighted the economic complementarity between China and Africa, reiterating that Africa’s rich resources and demographic advantages align well with China’s strengths in capital, technology, and development experience. “Our cooperation is a mutually beneficial partnership that helps both sides achieve their development goals,” he said. The envoy pointed to several successful projects, including infrastructure developments such as railways, roads, and ports that have boosted trade and improved connectivity across the continent.
China’s investments in Africa have drawn both praise and criticism. Proponents argue that Chinese investments have provided much-needed infrastructure and opportunities for economic growth, while critics claim that some projects have led to debt dependency and environmental concerns. In response to these criticisms, Liu stressed that China’s approach to Africa is driven by respect for sovereignty and mutual benefit. “Our projects are carried out based on the needs and priorities of our African partners,” he said, adding that China aims to contribute to Africa’s sustainable development through initiatives that enhance local capacity and resilience.
Looking ahead, the action plan to be launched at the FOCAC summit will prioritize several key areas, including infrastructure development, technological innovation, healthcare, education, and capacity building. The plan also includes measures to enhance people-to-people exchanges and promote cultural understanding between China and Africa, fostering a deeper sense of solidarity and partnership.
Liu expressed optimism about the future of China-Africa relations, stating that both sides are committed to further deepening their cooperation to address shared challenges and opportunities. He emphasized that as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, developing nations like those in Africa and China must collaborate more closely to ensure a fairer, more equitable international order. “By standing together, we can make a greater impact on the world stage and ensure our voices are heard,” Liu concluded.
The upcoming FOCAC summit is expected to further solidify the partnership between China and Africa, setting the stage for enhanced collaboration in the years to come. As global dynamics continue to evolve, the relationship between China and Africa will likely remain a crucial element in the broader context of international relations and development.
