Xi Jinping: the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history

The Summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in the Chinese capital, Beijing from September 4-6.

Hosted by President Xi Jinping, the summit was attended by 51 African heads of state or government and two presidential representatives, representing 53 of the 55 member states of the African Union (AU), along with the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony on the morning of September 5, Xi Jinping said that:

“The founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 was a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations. Over the past 24 years, especially in the new era, China has advanced forward hand in hand with our African brothers and sisters in the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. We stand shoulder to shoulder with each other to firmly defend our legitimate rights and interests as once-in-a-century changes sweep across the world.”

“Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides,” he continued, “the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. With its future growth in mind, I propose that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterisation of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”

Modernisation was a key theme of the Chinese leader’s address. He noted: “Modernisation is an inalienable right of all countries. But the Western approach to it has inflicted immense sufferings on developing countries. Since the end of World War II, Third World nations, represented by China and African countries, have achieved independence and development one after another, and have been endeavouring to redress the historical injustices of the modernisation process. As we are about to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, we are going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernisation. Africa is also awakening again, and the continent is marching in solid strides toward the modernisation goals set forth in the AU’s Agenda 2063.”

He proposed that China and Africa work together to advance modernisation in six key aspects:

• We should jointly advance modernisation that is just and equitable.
• We should jointly advance modernisation that is open and win-win.
• We should jointly advance modernisation that puts the people first. The ultimate goal of modernisation is the free and full development of human beings.
• We should jointly advance modernisation featuring diversity and inclusiveness.
• We should jointly advance modernisation that is eco-friendly. Green development is a hallmark of modernisation in the new era.

Xi stated that: “China and Africa account for one-third of the world population. Without our modernisation, there will be no global modernisation. In the next three years, China will work with Africa to take the following ten partnership actions for modernisation to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernisation”, namely:

• The Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations.
• The Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity. We have decided to give all LDCs [least developed countries] having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines. This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step.
• The Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation.
• The Partnership Action for Connectivity.
• The Partnership Action for Development Cooperation.
• The Partnership Action for Health. We will send 2,000 medical personnel to Africa and launch 20 programs of health facilities and malaria treatment.
• The Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods.
• The Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges.
• The Partnership Action for Green Development. China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems, and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief, as well as biodiversity conservation.
• The Partnership Action for Common Security.

Each of these proposals features specific, practical and appropriate measures and pledges that stand in stark contrast to the vacuity, conditionality and demagogy of the supposed pledges made at gatherings convened by the imperialist powers. 

Besides President Xi Jinping, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Co-chair of FOCAC; President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of Mauritania, rotating Chair of the AU; President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, subregional representative for Africa; President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, special guest and Secretary General of the United Nations António Guterres, and Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat also addressed the opening ceremony.

The African leaders:

• Thanked China for hosting the FOCAC Beijing Summit, spoke highly of the profound traditional friendship between Africa and China and the positive outcomes achieved since the establishment of FOCAC, especially the 2018 Beijing Summit, and highly appreciated the ten partnership actions put forward by President Xi Jinping for China and Africa to advance modernisation together. 
• Said that FOCAC is not only an effective platform to promote the development of Africa-China partnership, but also a shining example of South-South cooperation. FOCAC cooperation is based on friendship, respect and mutual benefit. China’s cooperation with Africa, with no political strings attached, has greatly promoted the connectivity and economic and social development of African countries. Amid the current complex and turbulent international situation, deepening cooperation with China has become an even greater hope for African countries to achieve security, stability, and sustainable development.
• Africa and China share similar ideals. The African side highly appreciates and fully supports the important vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping.
• Africa is willing to work with China to jointly advocate the common values of humanity and support all countries in exploring a path to modernisation that suits their national conditions. The African side firmly pursues the one-China policy and staunchly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. The African side resolutely opposes external forces’ interference in China’s internal affairs under the pretext of the Taiwan question, human rights, and other issues. 
• It extends congratulations on the success of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and believes that China’s efforts in further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernisation will bring more development opportunities to African countries and other countries in the world.
• The African side is willing to work with China to continue to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, actively implement the outcomes of the summit, jointly advance industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, build an all-weather Africa-China community with a shared future for the new era, and jointly move towards a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi presided over the opening ceremony, which was followed by four high-level meetings on the topics of state governance, industrialisation and agricultural modernisation, peace and security, and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

The summit adopted the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation – Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027).

The previous evening, President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People to welcome their guests. 

Addressing the banquet, Xi said: “To quote a Chinese poem, ‘True friends always feel close to each other, no matter the distance between them.’ I have been to Africa 10 times and hosted many African leaders in China. All our meetings have been cordial and heartwarming. They have reinforced my belief that the China-Africa community with a shared future is built on a strong foundation, has been blessed with a good start, and enjoys broad prospects. It sets a stellar example for building a community with a shared future for humanity.”

He added: “The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in our traditional friendship. Since the mid-20th century, we have been fighting shoulder to shoulder against imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, and advancing hand in hand along the path of development, revitalisation, and modernisation. China-Africa friendship remains robust and is growing stronger through generations no matter how the world changes… Twenty-four years ago, FOCAC was born at the dawn of a new century. Through this key cooperation platform, we have together built roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and special economic zones. These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people.”

Responding, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, the co-chair of the FOCAC, on behalf of the African leaders, thanked the friendly Chinese people for their warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements, saying that the friendship between Africa and China has a deep foundation and a time-honoured history. Both sides share similar ideals, treat each other as equals, show mutual respect, seek mutual benefit, and pursue solidarity and cooperation. Both Africa and China stand for a more equal, orderly, mutually beneficial and inclusive world. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has not only achieved its own rapid development, but also made important contributions to promoting world peace and growth. The African side highly appreciates the important initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping and China’s important contributions to promoting China-Africa cooperation, including the FOCAC’s institutional development. The African side is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, deepen the Africa-China comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and better safeguard common interests.

We reprint below the full text of President Xi’s speech to the opening ceremony as well as his toast at the welcoming banquet. They were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future

Keynote Address by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China
At the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Summit of
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Beijing, September 5, 2024

Your Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye,
Your Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union (AU),
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government and Heads of Delegation,
Your Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations,
Your Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission,
Friends and Distinguished Guests,

Blossoms in spring turn into fruits in autumn, and a bumper harvest is the reward of hard work. In this season of harvest, I am delighted to gather together with so many old and new friends in Beijing to discuss grand plans for China-Africa friendship and cooperation in the new era. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend a warm welcome to you all!

The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space, surmounts mountains and oceans, and passes down through generations. The founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 was a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations. Over the past 24 years, especially in the new era, China has advanced forward hand in hand with our African brothers and sisters in the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. We stand shoulder to shoulder with each other to firmly defend our legitimate rights and interests as once-in-a-century changes sweep across the world. We get stronger and more resilient together by riding the tide of economic globalization, delivering tangible benefits to billions of ordinary Chinese and Africans. We share weal and woe in fighting natural disasters and epidemics together, creating touching stories of China-Africa friendship. We always empathize with and support each other, setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations.

Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides, the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. With its future growth in mind, I propose that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

Modernization is an inalienable right of all countries. But the Western approach to it has inflicted immense sufferings on developing countries. Since the end of World War II, Third World nations, represented by China and African countries, have achieved independence and development one after another, and have been endeavoring to redress the historical injustices of the modernization process. As we are about to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, we are going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization. Africa is also awakening again, and the continent is marching in solid strides toward the modernization goals set forth in the AU’s Agenda 2063. China and Africa’s joint pursuit of modernization will set off a wave of modernization in the Global South, and open a new chapter in our drive for a community with a shared future for mankind.

—We should jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable. In promoting modernization, we should not only follow the general rules, but also act in light of our national realities. China is ready to increase exchanges of governance experience with Africa, support all countries in exploring modernization paths befitting their national conditions, and help ensure equal rights and equal opportunities for all countries.

—We should jointly advance modernization that is open and win-win. Mutually beneficial cooperation is the sunny road to the betterment of long-term and fundamental interests of all countries. China is ready to deepen cooperation with Africa in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment, promote exemplary, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation projects, and build together a model for the delivery of the Global Development Initiative.

—We should jointly advance modernization that puts the people first. The ultimate goal of modernization is the free and full development of human beings. China will work vigorously with Africa to promote personnel training, poverty reduction and employment, enhance the sense of gain, happiness and security of the people in the course of modernization, and ensure that all will benefit from the process.

—We should jointly advance modernization featuring diversity and inclusiveness. Well-balanced material and spiritual advancement is a lofty objective of modernization. China will enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Africa, champion mutual respect, inclusiveness and coexistence of different civilizations on our way to modernization, and strive together for more fruitful outcomes under the Global Civilization Initiative.

—We should jointly advance modernization that is eco-friendly. Green development is a hallmark of modernization in the new era. China is ready to help Africa build “green growth engines,” narrow the gap in energy accessibility, adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and jointly push for the global transition to green and low-carbon development.

—We should jointly advance modernization underpinned by peace and security. Modernization would not be possible without a peaceful and stable environment for development. China is ready to help Africa improve its capacity in safeguarding peace and stability independently, prioritize Africa in implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI), promote mutual reinforcement of high-quality development and greater security, and work together with Africa to uphold world peace and stability.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

China and Africa account for one-third of the world population. Without our modernization, there will be no global modernization. In the next three years, China will work with Africa to take the following ten partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization.

First, the Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations. China is ready to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and 25 centers on China and Africa studies. We will make better use of Africa’s leadership academies to cultivate talents for governance, and invite 1,000 members of African political parties to China to deepen exchanges of experience in party and state governance.

Second, the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity. China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider. We have decided to give all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step. It will help turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity. China will expand market access for African agricultural products, deepen cooperation with Africa in e-commerce and other areas, and launch a “China-Africa quality enhancement program.” We are prepared to enter into framework agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional guarantee for trade and investment between the two sides.

Third, the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation. China will foster industry cooperation growth clusters with Africa, push forward the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, and launch an “African SMEs empowerment program.” We will build with Africa a digital technology cooperation center and initiate 20 digital demonstration projects so as to embrace together the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation.

Fourth, the Partnership Action for Connectivity. China is prepared to carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote together high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development. We are ready to assist in the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and deepen logistics and financial cooperation for the benefit of trans-regional development in Africa.

Fifth, the Partnership Action for Development Cooperation. China is ready to release the Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative with Africa, and implement 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects. We will replenish the China-World Bank Group Partnership Facility to boost Africa’s development. We support Africa in hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. We will work together with Africa to deliver more fruits of development to the two peoples.

Sixth, the Partnership Action for Health. China is ready to establish with Africa a hospitals alliance and joint medical centers. We will send 2,000 medical personnel to Africa, and launch 20 programs of health facilities and malaria treatment. We will encourage Chinese companies to invest in Africa’s pharmaceutical production, and continue to do what we can to help Africa with epidemic response. We support the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen public health capacity in all African countries.

Seventh, the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods. China will provide Africa with RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance, build 100,000 mu (about 6,670 hectares) of standardized agriculture demonstration areas in Africa, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance. We will implement 500 programs in Africa to promote community welfare. We will also encourage two-way investment for new business operations by Chinese and African companies, enable Africa to retain added value, and create at least one million jobs for Africa.

Eighth, the Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges. China will implement with Africa more solidly the Future of Africa—Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, establish together an engineering technology academy, and build ten Luban Workshops. We will provide 60,000 training opportunities to Africa, mainly for women and youths. We will launch with Africa a Cultural Silk Road program as well as an initiative of cooperation on innovation in radio, TV and audio and visual programs. The two sides have agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Ninth, the Partnership Action for Green Development. China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems, and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief as well as biodiversity conservation. We will create a China-Africa forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology, establish together 30 joint laboratories, and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and lunar and deep-space exploration. All this is designed to help with green development in Africa.

Tenth, the Partnership Action for Common Security. China is ready to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the GSI, and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation. We will give Africa RMB1 billion yuan of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China. The two sides will conduct joint military exercises, training and patrol, carry out an “action for a mine-free Africa,” and jointly ensure the safety of personnel and projects.

To implement the ten partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies. In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

The Communist Party of China held in July the successful Third Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee, laying out systematic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. This will profoundly further transform China. It will also provide new opportunities and new driving forces for African countries and for our joint pursuit of modernization.

As an African proverb goes, a friend is someone you share the path with. On the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind. Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization, promote modernization of the Global South with China-Africa modernization, and write a new magnificent chapter of development in human history. Let us join hands to bring about a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for our world.

Thank you.

---

Toast by H.E. Xi Jinping President of the People’s Republic of China at the Welcoming Banquet of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Your Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye,
Distinguished Colleagues and Your Spouses,
Friends and Distinguished Guests,

Good evening!

It is my great pleasure to meet you here on the eve of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in the name of my wife and myself, I extend a warm welcome to you all.

To quote a Chinese poem, “True friends always feel close to each other, no matter the distance between them.” I have been to Africa 10 times and hosted many African leaders in China. All our meetings have been cordial and heartwarming. They have reinforced my belief that the China-Africa community with a shared future is built on a strong foundation, has been blessed with a good start, and enjoys broad prospects. It sets a stellar example for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in our traditional friendship. Since the mid-20th century, we have been fighting shoulder to shoulder imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, and advancing hand in hand along the path of development, revitalization, and modernization. China-Africa friendship remains robust and is growing stronger through generations no matter how the world changes.

The China-Africa community with a shared future thrives on the strength of win-win cooperation. Twenty-four years ago, FOCAC was born at the dawn of a new century. Through this key cooperation platform, we have together built roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and special economic zones. These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people.

The China-Africa community with a shared future grows in step with the times. Following the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in Dakar in 2021, we have worked together to fully implement the nine programs and deliver on other outcomes of the meeting. We pulled together in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We maintained close cooperation and coordination on major international and regional issues. Together we have made the voice of the Global South stronger.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

We human beings have been dreaming of a community with a shared future, and modernization is what it takes to turn our dream into reality. China and Africa have been, and remain, pioneers in building this community, and we will stay at the forefront in pursuing modernization. I am confident that as long as the 2.8 billion-strong Chinese and African people are united for this common goal, we will accomplish new and even greater feats together on the way toward modernization, spearhead the modernization drive of the Global South, and make greater contributions to a community with a shared future for mankind.

Now, I would like to propose a toast;

To the prosperity of China and African countries and the well-being of our people;

To the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and African people;

To the success of the Summit; and

To the health of all distinguished guests and your families.

Cheers!