Latest news with #FOCAC
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How China ‘leapfrogs' other nations to build close African trade and military ties
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi last month highlighted Beijing's 'leapfrog development' in ties with African countries in the 25 years since the setting up of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Advertisement Addressing a FOCAC ministerial event on June 11, Wang noted that trade had surged nearly 30-fold while Chinese investment had grown almost 100-fold since the strategic dialogue mechanism was set up in 2000. In parallel to closer economic ties, there has also been increased cooperation on the security front. Before FOCAC, which includes all but one of the 54 African nations, China had not conducted any military drills in Africa , accounted for less than 5 per cent of African weapons inventories and had fewer than 200 African officers in its military schools. The Young Leaders Conference of China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, another FOCAC-related event, hosted about 90 military officers from over 40 African nations this week in Nanjing. Advertisement The five-day event from July 15 was hosted by China's defence ministry and organised by its Army Command College. According to the ministry, the event aimed to 'implement the outcomes' of last year's FOCAC summit in Beijing and to strengthen 'consensus, solidarity, and cooperation' on peace and security.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Ambassador Yin Chengwu attended 2025 Liberia Investment Conference
On July 16, Ambassador Yin Chengwu attended the 2025 Liberia Investment Conference. The event was also attended by Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Magdalene Ellen Dagoseh, Representatives from relevant UN agencies and diplomatic missions in Liberia. At the conference, Ambassador Yin briefed the outcomes of the recent Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He particularly highlighted the new measures such as China's zero-tariff treatments for 100% of taxable items originating from African countries with diplomatic relations with China. He stressed the principles of openness and cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, as well as trustworthy partnership. Furthermore, he proposed five key recommendations for further advance China-Liberia cooperation, including enhancing strategic synergy, streamlining the business environment, pioneering emerging sectors, strengthening institutional frameworks, and fostering people-to-people bonds. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Echoes of Bandung as China and Africa rally towards high-quality cooperation
Gideon H Chitanga | Published 4 hours ago The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Changsha, central China's Hunan province. The Changsha meeting, held last month, invoked the spirit of Bandung, calling the Global South to unite in confronting contemporary global instability embedded in historical structural injustices that have exploited disunity within the Global South. China is the world's second-largest economy, while the African continent is home to the largest number of developing countries. With an estimated combined population of over three billion people, Africa and China together form the backbone of the Global South, and a significant demographic and economic share of the world. While the two sides have immensely stronger diplomatic and economic ties over the past two decades, and share decades of closer mutual solidarity, complex and turbulent geopolitical factors pose major threats to flourishing cooperation. Intra-state conflicts in some African countries have aggravated economic and political pressures on continental development and international cooperation. A combination of amplified geopolitical tensions and conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and the people of Palestine, and now Israel and Iran has raised the prospects of unprecedented global instability. The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration on major trading partners, including China and countries in the African continent, risks upending global trade with severe consequences for developing countries. Most economies in the Global South will be vulnerable to economic shocks from heightened global inflation and the economic weight of external debts tied to the US dollar. These countries will also be squeezed for new capital to meet domestic development needs. The Changsha meeting, which aimed to push for the full implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes, reemphasised the need for countries in the Global South to work together. The meeting was attended by representatives of the People's Republic of China, 53 African countries and representatives of the African Union Commission. The delegates at the high-level gathering concluded with the signing of the Changsha Declaration, which in many ways invokes the spirit of the Bandung conference of 1955 in calling for deepened cooperation and solidarity in the Global South. As published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the Changsha Declaration states, '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: 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.' The Changsha meeting and the subsequent declaration reflect growing unity and cooperation between China, Africa and the Global South, which was historically demonstrated at the Bandung conference in 1955 at the height of colonialism and the Cold War. The Bandung Conference was a landmark meeting which brought together 29 newly independent African states and Asian countries to discuss common challenges and promote cooperation in the face of international polarisation and oppressive hegemonic dominance. Considering the pervasive challenge of Western colonial and neo-colonial domination, which parallels contemporary neoliberal unilateral hegemony, the Bandung Conference continues to resonate with the aspirations of the Global South for economic and political freedom and the need to deepen cooperation and solidarity among the global majority. Its ground breaking 10-point "declaration on the promotion of world peace and cooperation," incorporating the principles of the United Nations Charter, and such principles as political self-determination, respect for national sovereignty amongst nations, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, and equality laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement , and stands out as the basis for peaceful coexistence in the world. The Changsha declaration reignited the spirit of Bandung by reemphasising the need for unity, solidarity, deepened cooperation and self-reliance amongst countries in the Global South. Its declaration reinvents and locates the principles of the Bandung conference at the centre of efforts by the Global South to confront emerging challenges in a turbulent world. The Changsha declaration calls all countries of the Global South to work together to safeguard multilateralism, promote multipolarity and oppose unilateralism and bullying. It rejects the unilateral imposition of sweeping tariffs by the Trump administration on trading partners. Such protectionist policies and economic bullying could throw the global economy into jeopardy, triggering economic and political instability in developing countries. The declaration also called all countries to work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI). These initiatives have brought together the Global South to collectively work towards a more just and equal global community of nations, promoting fair multilateralism in which all countries, nations and diverse civilisations are mutually respected. The Changsha declaration strongly reaffirms the principles of solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit, which underpin China-Africa relations, and makes a powerful statement against attempts to divide the Global South. It further reinforces growing China-Africa and unity within the Global South as bigger powers exercise responsible leadership. While some major powers have embarked on a nationalistic posture, imposing tariffs and cutting aid to the most vulnerable and historically disadvantaged countries, China has steadily increased its support towards the sustainable development and modernisation of Africa and the Global South. For instance, China has committed to expanding its zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Beijing has also extended its support for green energy, AI, science, and technology initiatives in Africa and the Global South. The holding of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) under the theme, "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernisation", signifies a shift towards the consolidation of relations of China-Africa cooperation. The Trade Expo highlighted progress towards the 'Ten Partner Actions' of FOCAC 2024. African countries such as the Congo Republic, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Nigeria showcased their agricultural, mining and construction industry products, demonstrating deepening mutually beneficial China-Africa economic cooperation. The theme of the Expo aligned with the China-Africa "Ten Action Plans", including cultural and people-to-people exchange, trade, industrial cooperation, connectivity, health, agriculture, green development, and security, to dovetail into the goals agreed at the FOCAC 2024. It also focused on green development goals and industries, renewables and "zero carbon exhibition", highlighting the shift towards climate-friendly development, a major issue in the demand for global social, environmental and economic justice. As can be summed up from the five-point proposal made by Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China during the Changsha gathering, the perilous contemporary economic and political global context calls for consolidated cooperation amongst the nations of the Global South. Wang Yi rallied African counterparts to work together in fostering mutual assistance, to defend and deepen solidarity amongst countries of the Global South, advance economic openness and international free trade promoting fair economic globalization. He urged China and Africa to work together towards human progress, centred on mutually beneficial cooperation bearing win-win outcomes, based on mutual trust and respect. As echoed at Bandung, it's unity and cooperation, or we perish. Gideon H Chitanga, PhD, is an International Relations Expert and political analyst
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Echoes of Bandung as China and Africa rally towards high-quality cooperation
China is the world's second-largest economy, while the African continent is home to the largest number of developing countries. Image: REUTERS/David Gray The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Changsha, central China's Hunan province. The Changsha meeting, held last month, invoked the spirit of Bandung, calling the Global South to unite in confronting contemporary global instability embedded in historical structural injustices that have exploited disunity within the Global South. China is the world's second-largest economy, while the African continent is home to the largest number of developing countries. With an estimated combined population of over three billion people, Africa and China together form the backbone of the Global South, and a significant demographic and economic share of the world. While the two sides have immensely stronger diplomatic and economic ties over the past two decades, and share decades of closer mutual solidarity, complex and turbulent geopolitical factors pose major threats to flourishing cooperation. Intra-state conflicts in some African countries have aggravated economic and political pressures on continental development and international cooperation. A combination of amplified geopolitical tensions and conflicts between Ukraine and Russia, Israel and the people of Palestine, and now Israel and Iran has raised the prospects of unprecedented global instability. The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration on major trading partners, including China and countries in the African continent, risks upending global trade with severe consequences for developing countries. Most economies in the Global South will be vulnerable to economic shocks from heightened global inflation and the economic weight of external debts tied to the US dollar. These countries will also be squeezed for new capital to meet domestic development needs. The Changsha meeting, which aimed to push for the full implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes, reemphasised the need for countries in the Global South to work together. The meeting was attended by representatives of the People's Republic of China, 53 African countries and representatives of the African Union Commission. The delegates at the high-level gathering concluded with the signing of the Changsha Declaration, which in many ways invokes the spirit of the Bandung conference of 1955 in calling for deepened cooperation and solidarity in the Global South. As published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, the Changsha Declaration states, '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: 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.' The Changsha meeting and the subsequent declaration reflect growing unity and cooperation between China, Africa and the Global South, which was historically demonstrated at the Bandung conference in 1955 at the height of colonialism and the Cold War. The Bandung Conference was a landmark meeting which brought together 29 newly independent African states and Asian countries to discuss common challenges and promote cooperation in the face of international polarisation and oppressive hegemonic dominance. Considering the pervasive challenge of Western colonial and neo-colonial domination, which parallels contemporary neoliberal unilateral hegemony, the Bandung Conference continues to resonate with the aspirations of the Global South for economic and political freedom and the need to deepen cooperation and solidarity among the global majority. Its ground breaking 10-point "declaration on the promotion of world peace and cooperation," incorporating the principles of the United Nations Charter, and such principles as political self-determination, respect for national sovereignty amongst nations, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, and equality laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement, and stands out as the basis for peaceful coexistence in the world. The Changsha declaration reignited the spirit of Bandung by reemphasising the need for unity, solidarity, deepened cooperation and self-reliance amongst countries in the Global South. Its declaration reinvents and locates the principles of the Bandung conference at the centre of efforts by the Global South to confront emerging challenges in a turbulent world. The Changsha declaration calls all countries of the Global South to work together to safeguard multilateralism, promote multipolarity and oppose unilateralism and bullying. It rejects the unilateral imposition of sweeping tariffs by the Trump administration on trading partners. Such protectionist policies and economic bullying could throw the global economy into jeopardy, triggering economic and political instability in developing countries. The declaration also called all countries to work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, promote the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI). These initiatives have brought together the Global South to collectively work towards a more just and equal global community of nations, promoting fair multilateralism in which all countries, nations and diverse civilisations are mutually respected. The Changsha declaration strongly reaffirms the principles of solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit, which underpin China-Africa relations, and makes a powerful statement against attempts to divide the Global South. It further reinforces growing China-Africa and unity within the Global South as bigger powers exercise responsible leadership. While some major powers have embarked on a nationalistic posture, imposing tariffs and cutting aid to the most vulnerable and historically disadvantaged countries, China has steadily increased its support towards the sustainable development and modernisation of Africa and the Global South. For instance, China has committed to expanding its zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Beijing has also extended its support for green energy, AI, science, and technology initiatives in Africa and the Global South. The holding of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) under the theme, "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernisation", signifies a shift towards the consolidation of relations of China-Africa cooperation. The Trade Expo highlighted progress towards the 'Ten Partner Actions' of FOCAC 2024. African countries such as the Congo Republic, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Nigeria showcased their agricultural, mining and construction industry products, demonstrating deepening mutually beneficial China-Africa economic cooperation.
Zawya
27-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
China-Nigeria partnership paves way for Africa's economic growth
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has said that the partnership between China and Nigeria is positioning the West African nation as a critical economic gateway for Africa. Speaking at a seminar on Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Achieve the Ten Partnership Actions in an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future, Ambassador Yu stated that significant progress has been made in implementing the 'Ten Partnership Actions' since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) last September. The 'Ten Partnership Actions' encompass cooperation across ten critical domains, including cultural exchange, trade facilitation, industrial chain integration, infrastructure connectivity, sustainable development, public health, agricultural advancement, people-to-people bonds, green economy transition, and security cooperation. These initiatives aim to catalyse the cause of China-Africa modernisation and elevate the China-Africa community with a shared future to new heights. The Chinese government has announced measures to expand its openness and collaboration with Africa, including extending zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, enhancing access to exports from Africa's Least Developed Countries, and promoting cooperation in green industries, e-commerce, and payment systems. 'When the 2.8 billion-plus people in China and Africa unite in purpose and stride forward hand in hand, we will achieve glory on our paths toward modernisation,' Ambassador Yu said. The partnership between China and Nigeria has elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. As two major developing countries, their relationship now transcends bilateral dimensions and is gaining growing global significance. Ambassador Yu also said China stands ready to work hand in hand with Nigeria, support each other through thick and thin, jointly advance the 'Ten Partnership Actions' for China-Africa cooperation in modernisation, and implement the initiatives of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of FOCAC. 'Together, through our joint efforts, we will surely write a new chapter of the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' he concluded. Also speaking, the Director-General/Global Liaison of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, disclosed that the level of partnership with China is positioning Nigeria as the critical economic gateway for Africa. He said, 'After FOCAC 2024, Nigeria and the People's Republic of China elevated their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This marks the beginning of a dispensation where we are determined to work better and closer with the People's Republic of China. 'It marks a period when we are no longer satisfied with maintaining mere relationships; but strive to build robust development partnerships that are based on mutual trust and respect, shared ambition, and collaborative efforts.' According to him, 'It signals our government's serious intent to not only sustain but to deepen bilateral cooperation in ways that are systematic, accountable and aligned with Nigeria's long-term development agenda.' The DG noted that the broad aim of his office is to strengthen bilateral relations through trade, investment, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and capacity building. 'This partnership aligns with China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and seeks to position Nigeria as a critical hub in Africa, fostering long-term sustainable development and economic growth. 'Drive Nigeria's socio-economic growth by leveraging China's advanced technology, expertise in infrastructure, and capacity for investment. Align with Nigeria's national development priorities, such as the Renewed Hope Agenda, to the BRI.' He outlined that the Partnership for Trade Prosperity reflects China's commitment to zero-tariff access for least-developed countries, including 53 African states. 'This is an unprecedented gesture by a major economic power and positions Nigeria to exploit China's vast consumer market, especially in agriculture, manufacturing and digital trade.' 'This action was implemented about a week ago by the Government of China, which removed tariffs on exports from 53 African countries, including Nigeria. Our strategy is to leverage this opportunity in our drive to become a net exporter to China like Brazil.' Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, said China and Africa have rejected colonialism, imperialism, and subjugation of any kind by colonial forces that drained Africa of resources, seized its human potential, and ensured the continent's dependency and underdevelopment. 'Today, Africa is coming out of the gloomy days. In its cooperation with China, Africa is, for the first time, assured of the beacon of true modernisation and development through: first, building mutual trust, mutual assistance, mutual learning, exchanges and common development. 'This rapid mutual chemistry and mutual assistance caught the attention of the international community, which marked the surfacing of China in global governance, poverty reduction, industrialisation, the path to modernisation and investment in African development.' He maintained that China accorded $5 billion in 2006 to African countries, $10 billion in 2009, $20 billion in 2012, $60 billion in 2015, $60 billion in 2018, $40 billion in 2021, and $50.7 billion in 2024. 'These funds are for investment, aid, credit lines and ultimately for African modernisation, growth and development. Chinese President Xi Jinping, in September 2024, stated that China stands ready to work with Africa to implement the Ten Partnership Action Plans and to jointly advance modernisation.' President Xi believes that: 'One-third of the world's population lives in China and Africa, and there will be no global modernisation without the modernisation of China and Africa.' 'The Ten Partnership Action Plans, to be implemented over the next three years, cover the areas of mutual learning among civilisations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development, and common security. 'The 2024 FOCAC summit focused on these ten partnership actions for modernisation, aiming to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future,' he said. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
