Latest news with #Africa-China
The Star
3 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Chinese medical team in Tanzania's Zanzibar performs first CT-guided lung biopsy
DAR ES SALAAM, May 31 (Xinhua) -- The 34th batch of the Chinese medical team in Tanzania's Zanzibar has successfully conducted the region's first-ever CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy, marking a significant milestone in local medical advancement. The groundbreaking procedure represents a major leap forward in the precision diagnosis of respiratory diseases in Zanzibar, said Khalid Msabah Rashid, director of logistics at Zanzibar's Ministry of Health and liaison officer to the Chinese medical team, adding that it also underscores the growing impact of Chinese medical teams in enhancing healthcare capabilities across the region. "This is the first operation of its kind in Zanzibar's history," Rashid said. "We are deeply impressed by the professionalism and technical expertise shown by the Chinese doctors. This is not only a medical breakthrough, but also a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two sides." The operation was led by Chen Wei, a specialist in respiratory and critical care medicine and head of the Chinese medical team. He was joined by imaging expert Zhang Jiandong and supported by local medical staff. Using real-time CT imaging, the team precisely guided a needle into the patient's lung to extract tissue samples from a suspicious lesion, laying the groundwork for accurate pathological diagnosis and subsequent treatment, said Chen. "This landmark surgery is part of broader Africa-China health cooperation efforts," Rashid added.
The Citizen
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
A wake-up call for Global South countries
Calls grow for African countries to align with China's development philosophy and deepen strategic partnerships amid rising global challenges. A senior Ethiopian embassy official in South Africa is raising concern about the Global South's 'wait-and-see attitude' and failure to take a stand in the geopolitical turmoil characterised by protectionism and led by US President Donald Trump. Minister counsellor at the Ethiopian embassy in SA Gujubo Belachew cautioned Global South countries to stand up and work together to confront the situation threatening their own economic and trade survival. Belachew was among the speakers at the seminar, Governance of China: Forging an All-weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, in Pretoria on Friday. Future of China-Africa cooperation Speakers outlined different scenarios of how China-Africa cooperation should take shape in the Trump era and how the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation had defence mechanisms in terms of trade, development and economic relations against US unilateralism. The strengthening of Africa-China cooperation has become more necessary now in light of Trump's protectionist policies. Belachew said global trade is not inclusive and is getting deeper into the quagmire of rising trade protectionism and unilateralism in the Western world. 'So, for this reason, the traditional global order is, in one way or another, gasping,' he said. Shared goals between China and the African Union The envoy said Global South countries should leverage the potential strength of the Africa-China relationship from their aligned visions. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa to meet Trump face-to-face to resolve diplomatic fallout 'Because of the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, the Chinese vision basically aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063,' Belachew said. Of the 15 flagship projects of the Agenda 2063, between 60 and 70% cooperate with China. He said that like China, African countries should also have clear development paths and philosophies as envisioned in Chinese President Xi Jinping's book, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, which illustrates China's development path and philosophy. A new generation of leaders Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi told the seminar that there were signs that the future of China-Africa relations would be shaped not only by diplomats and heads of state, but by young thinkers, public servants and future leaders. 'This seminar is about shaping a new generation of leaders conscious of the responsibility to build societies that are ethical, efficient, inclusive and future-oriented,' said Buthelezi. 'It reminds us that governance is not an abstract ideal – but it is lived, built and transferred across borders through knowledge, trust and collaboration. In the very near future, China and Africa should be synonymous in both prosperity and solidarity. 'In the future, not so distant, one should not talk about one continent without mentioning the other. When the story of Africa and China is told decades from now, I believe it will not only be a story of roads and railways, of ports and pipelines.' Human bridges Buthelezi said Xi's leadership continued to inspire transformation throughout Africa. He cited student exchanges and training of professionals and officials in China. ALSO READ: Act now to absorb impact of Trump tariffs on SA vehicle manufacturing sector – BLSA These are some of the human bridges that connect the two nations beyond trade figures and memoranda of understanding. At the heart of this engagement is a vision for 'people-first' governance. Former SA ambassador to China Siyabonga Cwele, a former Cabinet minister, reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa's words during his last state visit to China, highlighting the importance of China-SA relations. 'Progressive internationalism' Cwele said Ramaphosa pledged to 'elevate our mutually beneficial political and economic ties' for the benefit of both our countries and our people. 'He emphasised that we remain firmly committed to the One China Policy and, as our history demands, South Africa will continue to pursue progressive internationalism,' Cwele said. During Ramaphosa's official visit in September, the two presidents agreed to promote modernisation as a joint goal in building a high-level SA-China community with a shared future. This would see deepening of cooperation in agriculture, health, medical sciences, infrastructure development, technology, health care and education. Poverty alleviation China committed to sharing experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation, in building poverty alleviation model villages and supporting SA's urban and rural development. China has lifted about 800 million out of poverty, primarily by economic growth and reforms. Beijing implemented targeted poverty alleviation programmes, focusing on rural areas and providing education and infrastructure. NOW READ: Global trade war's potential blow to Southern African Customs Union revenue
