Africa Archives - Friends of Socialist China

China-South Africa relations a model of solidarity and cooperation for developing countries

The “special and close relationship” between South Africa and China was underlined by the November 5-7 official goodwill visit to South Africa by Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, at the invitation of the African National Congress (ANC).

Li held talks with South African President and ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa in Cape Town. He also met with Speaker of the National Assembly and ANC National Executive Committee member Thokozile Didiza, as well as ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, in Pretoria.

In his meeting with Ramaphosa, Li said China and South Africa have forged deep-rooted friendship, and their relations have entered a “golden era” in recent years under the guidance of the two heads of state.

China will fully support South Africa’s presidency of the G-20 in 2025, and deepen coordination and cooperation on international and regional issues with South Africa so that they might together play a leading role in the modernisation of the Global South and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Underlining the special and close relationship between South Africa and China, Ramaphosa said the two heads of state have recently elevated bilateral relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, a move that is bound to deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields.

South Africa applauds China’s openness to South Africa and Africa, viewing it as an important opportunity, he said, noting that South Africa’s Government of National Unity will maintain continuity in his country’s policy toward China, strengthen friendly cooperation and enhance coordination and cooperation through multilateral international mechanisms.

During talks with Didiza, Li said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 26 years ago, China-South Africa relations have made enormous strides and set a model of solidarity and cooperation for developing countries.

Didiza thanked China for its valuable support during South Africa’s struggle for national independence and in its nation-building process. She expressed readiness to utilise the regular exchange mechanism between the two countries’ legislative bodies to enhance exchanges at all levels, strengthen ties between the two peoples, and foster cooperation in various fields to jointly uphold the interests of developing countries.

In his talks with Mbalula, Li said that the ANC is a major African political party with a fine tradition and extensive influence, and the relationship between the CPC and the ANC is a vital cornerstone of China-South Africa relations.

Mbalula said the ANC and the CPC have forged profound friendship through their long-term exchanges. He applauded the achievements of the CPC as a century-old party that has been pursuing reform and innovation and leading China’s development.

He added that the ANC is willing to learn from the CPC’s experiences in economic development, full and rigorous Party self-governance and anti-corruption efforts to better address internal and external challenges and foster new developments in South-South cooperation and China-South Africa relations.

During the visit, Li noted that the source of the overwhelming victory and comprehensive consolidation of China’s anti-corruption campaign lies fundamentally in the centralised and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core and with the adherence to the people-centered development philosophy.

This victory, he explained, was also achieved through China’s sustained high-pressure approach to fighting corruption, reinforced discipline and conduct, and coordinated measures that tackle corruption at all levels. China is ready to enhance anti-corruption exchanges and cooperation with South Africa.

Margaret Kimberley: The importance of China for Africa and its diaspora

We are pleased to publish below the text of the speech given by Margaret Kimberley to the meeting, ‘China at 75: Changes Unseen in a Century’, initiated by Friends of Socialist China and held in New York City on September 29.

Margaret, who is the Executive Editor of Black Agenda Report, began her remarks with a strong condemnation of recent and ongoing Israeli war crimes against the peoples of Palestine, Lebanon and the entire region, and continued:

“But this is connected. We understand that this effort, imperialist effort to wage war on the entire region of Western Asia, makes this commemoration all the more important. We’re not just commemorating a successful revolution, but also the beginnings of changes in power relationships around the world, which coincided with the post war stirrings for independence across the Global South.”

Contextualising her remarks, Margaret said:

“This year, I had an amazing opportunity to visit China as part of a Friends of Socialist China delegation, as guests of the China NGO Network for International Exchanges, visiting Beijing, Zhejiang and Jilin. I saw for myself why China has leapfrogged over the rest of the world in its economic development, the dedication to the principles of socialism and a commitment to worldwide cooperation that has made relations with China attractive to the entire continent of Africa.”

Margaret reviewed the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) that had been held in the Chinese capital Beijing earlier in the month, including drawing attention to some of the contradictions inherent in such a diverse gathering. She made special mention of Eritrea as “the one [African] country that has maintained its commitment to socialism, which is why it’s always under attack.” She mentioned that Chinese companies have agreed to invest up to $7 billion in infrastructure projects as part of their mining agreements in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

She concluded:

“I think it’s important to mention not just the nations of the African continent, but the relations of the African diaspora. Dr. [Gerald] Horne referred to Shirley Graham DuBois, and there has been constant, on the part of revolutionaries, this urge to connect with China, to see China as this example. Which is why, in general, anti-Chinese propaganda is so dangerous. It’s an effort to indoctrinate. It’s an effort to stop revolutionary activity. And so, WEB DuBois visited China, and Paul Robeson reached out to China, and Huey Newton visited China. It’s all connected, and tells you how important it is that African people maintain these relationships, see China for ourselves and judge for ourselves, and the fact that that is something that is condemned so strongly, tells us quite a lot.”

Thank you all again for being here as we’re just two days away from the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. And I would be remiss if I did not speak of what’s happening in Lebanon with the continuation of Israeli and US war crimes, the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the deaths of, as I said, nearly 200,000 people. But this is connected. We understand that this effort, imperialist effort to wage war on the entire region of Western Asia, makes this commemoration all the more important. We’re not just commemorating a successful revolution, but also the beginnings of changes in power relationships around the world, which coincided with the post war stirrings for independence across the Global South.

I’m going to talk about Africa and its relationships with the People’s Republic of China, which began first as China was an example of the possibility of freedom from the capitalist, imperialist world. This year, I had an amazing opportunity to visit China as part of a Friends of Socialist China delegation, as guests of the China NGO Network for International Exchanges, visiting Beijing, Zhejiang and Jilin.

Jointly advance the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future

On September 6, Chinese President Xi Jinping held his final round of bilateral meetings with African leaders who had come to Beijing to take part in the summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

In the morning he met with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso, who was also paying a state visit to China.

Xi Jinping congratulated the Republic of the Congo on taking over the African co-chair of FOCAC. He commended Denis Sassou Nguesso for his important contributions to the success of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. Xi pointed out that developing solidarity and cooperation with African countries is an important cornerstone of China’s foreign policy. He recalled that during his visit to Africa in 2013, he put forth the principles of China’s Africa policy – sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests, which have become the guiding principles for China’s relations with all other developing countries. China is ready to work with the Republic of the Congo to better play their leading role as FOCAC co-chairs, implement the outcomes of the summit, ensure that the “golden brand” of FOCAC shines even brighter over time, and show the international community the firm resolve of China and Africa to jointly advance the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Republic of the Congo. The rock-solid friendship between the two countries is rooted in a high degree of political mutual trust, the common pursuit of ideas and the firm support for each other. China-Africa relations have embarked on a new journey, and friendly cooperation between China and the Republic of the Congo will embrace the next 60 years with even more brilliance.

Xi Jinping suggested that China and the Republic of the Congo play the “four roles”, i.e. a standard-bearer for building a community with a shared future, a pioneer in Belt and Road cooperation, a model of people-to-people bonds, and an example of solidarity and collaboration. China supports the Republic of the Congo in developing a diversified economy and encourages Chinese enterprises to participate in the construction of major infrastructure and regional connectivity projects in the country. China is ready to carry out cooperation in agriculture, digital economy, green development and other fields, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and encourage the two peoples to actively participate in the cause of friendship between China and the Republic of the Congo. China is ready to work with the Republic of the Congo to carry forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, strengthen international cooperation in global governance and other fields, and create a more favourable international environment for the development and revitalisation of developing countries.

Denis Sassou Nguesso recalled that 60 years ago, he was one of the first batch of young people from the Republic of the Congo to visit China. Over the years, he has visited China multiple times and witnessed its continuous and remarkable economic and technological development. China has become a powerful country in the world, which fills its people with great pride and earns deep admiration and heartfelt congratulations from the people of the Republic of the Congo. The Republic of the Congo firmly abides by the one-China principle and supports the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. This position remains unwavering.

Meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Somalia enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges. Somalia is the first East African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China, and the friendship between the two countries has withstood many tests. China is ready to work with Somalia to uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and push for more new achievements in bilateral relations to better benefit the two peoples.

Xi Jinping emphasised that both China and Somalia shoulder the historical mission of achieving complete national reunification. [Here Xi Jinping refers respectively to China’s Taiwan province and to the secessionist ‘Republic of Somaliland’.] China supports Somalia in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and supports the peace and development process in Somalia. China is willing to continue to support Somalia’s economic and social development, tap cooperation potential and expand development space with Somalia, and take the implementation of the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in such areas as economy, trade, fishery and human resources training. Xi Jinping congratulated Somalia on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and its official accession to the East African Community.

António Guterres: China’s cooperation will help Africa achieve peace and development

On September 5, Chinese President Xi Jinping continued his bilateral meetings with African leaders who were in Beijing to participate in the summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Following the summit’s opening ceremony, that was held that morning, Xi Jinping met at noon with Botswanan President Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.

The Chinese President pointed out that China and Botswana enjoy traditional friendship and have always offered sincere support to each other. In recent years, the two sides have regarded solidarity and cooperation as the cornerstone of their policies, prioritised improving the well-being of the people, and promoted solid progress in bilateral relations. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two sides should systematically review the successful experience gained over the past half century since the establishment of diplomatic relations and remain committed to being partners of mutual trust, common development and close people-to-people bonds. He also called on the two sides to firmly support each other and strengthen cooperation in industry, agriculture, minerals, clean energy, education, and medical and health care, among others.

China and its African brothers have just gathered together once again, he said, integrating more closely the development of China, Africa and the world. This has yielded fruitful results and unleashed the positive energy of the Global South in promoting world peace, security, prosperity and progress. China is ready to work with Botswana to follow through on the outcomes of the summit and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi said that today marks a historic moment for Africa-China relations. President Xi Jinping just delivered an excellent address at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, announcing new measures to advance the China-Africa partnership for modernisation, including the policy of further opening up to Africa, which greatly excited and encouraged the African side. Botswana fully supports this and believes that the vision outlined at the summit will surely be realised. Botswana firmly adheres to the one-China principle and believes that the Chinese people should and can realise national reunification. He thanked China for its long-term valuable support to Botswana, saying that his country is willing to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year as an opportunity to push for further development of bilateral relations.

Xi Jinping also met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who was attending the FOCAC summit as a special guest.

President Xi said that China attaches great importance to developing China-Africa relations. After the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), his first overseas visit was to Africa, where he put forward in Tanzania the principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith towards Africa and attended all subsequent FOCAC summits. China has no selfish interests in its cooperation with Africa. Half a century ago, in the face of its own economic difficulties, China responded to the expectations of its African brothers by vigorously assisting the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, writing a touching story of China-Africa friendship. Just now, at the opening ceremony of the summit, he had announced new actions and measures for practical cooperation with Africa.

António Guterres thanked the Chinese side for inviting him to attend the FOCAC Beijing Summit. He said that historically, Africa has been the primary victim of colonialism. China’s cooperation with Africa will help reduce the historical injustice suffered by Africa and help Africa achieve peace and development. China’s peaceful development is a noble cause in the history of mankind and is conducive to the peace and progress of all humanity. The United Nations is ready to strengthen cooperation with China to resist actions that create division and undermine common progress, jointly practice multilateralism, promote more just and equitable global governance, and build a community with a shared future for humanity. The United Nations is making every effort to prepare for the Summit of the Future and hopes to have close communication with China to promote the reform of the international financial architecture and strengthen global AI governance.

In the afternoon, Xi Jinping met with Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba.

He stressed that the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia are both long-ruling progressive parties. He praised SWAPO for having incorporated “building socialism with Namibian characteristics” into its party constitution. China is willing to work with Namibia to enhance friendly cooperation between the two countries and between the two parties, strengthen the exchange of experience in party and state governance, share development opportunities, and jointly advance the modernisation process of their respective countries.

Nangolo Mbumba said he was honoured to be invited to China for the FOCAC Beijing Summit and had received a warm and friendly reception with Chinese characteristics and tradition. The two outcome documents adopted by the FOCAC Summit in the morning are conducive to consolidating the brotherly friendship between Africa and China and promoting Africa-China cooperation in various areas. In particular, a series of new measures announced by President Xi Jinping for Africa and China joining hands to advance modernisation will guide the two sides to create a bright future of common development and prosperity and promote the building of an Africa-China community with a shared future.

Xi Jinping also met with Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The Chinese leader noted that Ghana is the second sub-Saharan African country [after Guinea] to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 64 years ago, the friendship between the two countries has remained strong and enduring, regardless of changes in the international landscape. China is ready to carry forward the deep friendship forged by the elder generation of the leaders of the two countries [who include Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and Chairman Liu Shaoqi] together with Ghana, so as to constantly enhance political mutual trust, promote exchanges and cooperation in various fields and be good friends who trust each other, good partners for common development, and good brothers with close cooperation.

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said that Ghana was one of the first batch of African countries to establish diplomatic relations with the PRC. China has been Ghana’s most trustworthy friend and partner for over 60 years. Ghana highly cherishes its friendship with China, firmly pursues the one-China policy and supports China’s stance on human rights and other issues.

Meeting with Prime Minister of Sao Tome and Principe Patrice Trovoada, Xi Jinping pointed out that in recent years, China’s relations with Sao Tome and Principe have maintained a sound momentum of development and the two countries have achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields. Facts have proved that Sao Tome and Principe’s return to the China-Africa family of friendly cooperation fully conforms to the common interests of the two peoples. [China and Sao Tome and Principe established diplomatic relations in 1975 when the country won its independence from Portuguese colonial rule. However, they were suspended between 1997-2016 when the then government established “diplomatic relations” with the authorities on Taiwan in violation of the one-China principle.]

Patrice Trovoada said that every time he visits China, it feels like returning home. He thanked China for providing invaluable assistance to Sao Tome and Principe’s economic development, saying that the new measures announced by President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Summit in the morning will significantly boost the development of Sao Tome and Principe and Africa.

In the evening, Xi Jinping met with President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embaló.

China and Senegal – friends and partners on the path to national development and revitalisation

On September 4, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping held 10 bilateral meetings with African leaders who were visiting China to attend the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

In the morning, he met with the new progressive President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was also paying a state visit.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and Senegal are friends and partners on the path to national development and revitalisation. Over the years, the two sides have carried out cooperation in the spirit of sincerity, friendship, equality, respect and win-win cooperation, and achieved tangible results, benefiting the two peoples.

China will continue to send agricultural technological experts to support Senegal in building industrial parks, expand cooperation in new energy and other emerging fields, and boost Senegal’s industrialisation and agricultural modernisation process. China and Senegal hold similar positions on many major international issues, and China is ready to work closely with Senegal in multilateral coordination to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that FOCAC is a golden brand of South-South cooperation, leading international cooperation with Africa and making important contributions to world peace and development. Over the past six years since China and Senegal assumed the co-chairs of FOCAC, China and Africa have overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties and successfully completed the eight major initiatives and nine programs launched at the two previous FOCAC conferences, advancing China-Africa relations into a new stage. As the fourth African co-chair of FOCAC, Senegal has made important contributions to China-Africa solidarity and cooperation. China is ready to work closely with Senegal to lead the summit to achieve complete success, join hands to advance China-Africa modernisation and start a new journey of China-Africa relations.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye said that it is a great honour for him to pay his first state visit to China and attend the FOCAC Beijing Summit. He thanked the Chinese side for the warm hospitality that has made him appreciate the beauty and friendliness of China. Since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Senegal and China in 2016, bilateral cooperation has made continuous progress. Senegal is willing to learn from China’s successful experience in party and state governance, advance cooperation in agriculture, industry, digitalisation, vocational training, youth and other fields, and elevate the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Senegal and China to a higher level. The establishment and development of FOCAC is based on friendship, trust, mutual respect, solidarity, cooperation, practicality and efficiency, and has made important contributions to Africa’s economic and social development.

Xi Jinping also met with President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Xi Jinping emphasised that China and Equatorial Guinea are good friends. High-level political mutual trust, all-round practical cooperation, and profound friendship between the two peoples are the main features of their bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Equatorial Guinea to firmly support each other, expand practical cooperation, deepen defence and security cooperation, help Equatorial Guinea diversify its economy, advance together on their respective modernisation paths, and open up new prospects for the China-Equatorial Guinea comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership. He congratulated Equatorial Guinea on its assumption of the co-chairmanship of FOCAC from 2027 to 2030.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo said that as soon as he arrived in Beijing, he felt the sincere friendship of the Chinese people towards Equatorial Guinea and the African people. The organisation of the Summit is meticulous, and the theme is in line with the dream of African countries to pursue modernisation. Equatorial Guinea’s relations with China are based on profound friendship and a high degree of mutual trust, with fruitful cooperation and close coordination in international affairs. The investment and cooperation of Chinese enterprises have helped Equatorial Guinea take on a new look, and China has made important contributions to promoting world peace.

AU Commission chairperson: China has been firmly supporting Africa’s struggle against colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination

Chinese President Xi Jinping continued his bilateral meetings with African leaders who came to Beijing to attend the summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 3.

In the morning he met with Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the African Union (AU) is a banner for Africa to seek strength through unity and an important platform for conducting international cooperation. In recent years, China and the AU have continued to deepen political mutual trust and maintained close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. He added that he is glad to see that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, aided by China for the AU, have been established and put into operation, contributing to African people’s health and well-being.

Xi stressed that the current transformations of the world unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. The Global South, including China and Africa, is growing stronger, injecting stability and positive energy into world peace and development. Africa is an important pole in the world and an important priority in China’s diplomacy. China is ready to enhance political exchanges with Africa, deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, share development experience and promote common development. He called on the two sides to strengthen solidarity and coordination, firmly support each other, advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and the common interests of developing countries.

Moussa Faki Mahamat said that for more than half a century, China has been firmly supporting Africa’s struggle against colonialism, imperialism and racial discrimination, providing valuable assistance to African countries in various fields such as infrastructure, health, energy, industry and security, and taking the lead in supporting the AU’s accession to the G20, which the African side highly appreciates and sincerely thanks. For this reason, the African side firmly pursues the one-China policy and firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests. The African side expects China to continue playing a key leading role and make greater contributions to helping Africa achieve modernisation as well as for world peace and development.

Xi Jinping also met with Malawi President President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera.

He said that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Malawi in agriculture, telecommunications, infrastructure and other fields, and to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Malawi. The two sides should make good use of the Confucius Institute at the University of Malawi to promote cultural exchanges and forge closer bonds between their peoples.

Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera said that every time he comes to China, it feels like coming home. He thanked the Chinese side for the warm and friendly reception. Malawi regards China as its most sincere friend. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty. The Belt and Road Initiative and other major initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping have provided important opportunities for all countries to achieve common development and prosperity. Malawi also supports strengthening FOCAC’s institutional development and looks forward to taking this summit as an opportunity to further promote Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen regional connectivity and deepen friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation between Malawi and China.

Meeting with President of Chad Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, Xi Jinping said that China has been Chad’s largest trading partner and investment partner for many years in a row, and bilateral practical cooperation has improved the well-being of the two peoples. China is ready to work with Chad to uphold the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, and push for new progress in China-Chad relations.

Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said that under the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has witnessed rapid development and increasingly rising international standing. Chad admires China’s development achievements, appreciates a series of major ideas and initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and is happy to see China’s continued development and growth. He believes that China’s sustained development will bring more opportunities for the development of Chad, Africa and the world, which is crucial to leading the transformations of the world unseen in a century.

The Chinese President also met with Kenyan President William Ruto.

Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Kenya have a time-honoured friendship that developed in their struggles for national liberation and deepened on their journey toward national rejuvenation.

Ruto said that the two sides have successfully implemented major infrastructure construction cooperation projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has strongly promoted Kenya’s economic and social development and become a new symbol for Kenya-China friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation.

In the afternoon, Xi Jinping met with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was also paying a state visit to China.

Xi Jinping pointed out that Nigeria is a major and highly influential African country with a large population and great development potential. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than half a century ago, China and Nigeria have always respected each other and treated each other as equals and forged a path of self-strength through unity and win-win cooperation. The two countries need to seek greater synergy of development strategies, form a new pattern of practical cooperation featuring complementarity and mutual benefit, promote the interconnected and integrated development of infrastructure, energy and minerals with industries, and create new growth areas for cooperation such as the digital economy and new energy.

He added that FOCAC is not only an effective mechanism for promoting practical cooperation between China and Africa, but also a banner for South-South cooperation. China is ready to take the FOCAC Beijing Summit as an opportunity to review the historical experience of China-Africa friendship, promote the building of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future, and inject new momentum into the development of China-Africa relations in the new era.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu said that Nigeria hopes to become China’s largest trade and investment partner in Africa and welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in the country, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, minerals, energy, infrastructure and other fields, helping Nigeria and West Africa advance modernisation efforts and effectively eradicating poverty. He thanked the Chinese side for providing important training opportunities for Nigerian youth and expressed willingness to deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with the Chinese side.

The two countries issued a Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Establishing a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a High-level China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future. The full text may be read here.

President Xi also met in the afternoon with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. We already reported the details of that meeting here.

In the evening, President Xi met with Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and Mauritania are good friends and close brothers who trust and help each other. China is ready to work with Mauritania to promote Belt and Road cooperation, deepen cooperation in fisheries, infrastructure and other fields, leverage the role of the agricultural and animal husbandry technology demonstration centre in aiding Mauritania and build China-Mauritania relations into a model of friendly exchanges and win-win cooperation between countries.

The Chinese leader appreciated Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani’s active contributions, as rotating chair of the African Union, to the preparations for the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and expressed China’s willingness to work closely with Mauritania to take the summit as an opportunity to pool the strength of the Chinese and African people, build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future, increase the voice and representation of the Global South countries in global governance, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice.

Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani said, the friendship between Mauritania and China is solid and profound, and the Mauritanian side is deeply proud of its friendly relations with China. He thanked China for its valuable support for Mauritania’s economic and social development, including the country’s fight against COVID-19.

He added that at present, the world is facing many risks and challenges, and deepening cooperation with China is the hope of Mauritania and other countries to achieve sustainable development. Mauritania and China hold highly identical positions on Palestine and other major issues. Both sides firmly oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs, call for respect for the independence of all countries, and reject violent extremism.

Xi meets with heads of state from Eritrea, Mali, DRC, Comoros, Djibouti, Seychelles and Guinea

On September 2, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with a number of African heads of state who were in Beijing to attend the summit meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Meeting with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 30 years ago, China and Eritrea have always trusted and supported each other firmly. President Isaias Afwerki paid a state visit to China in May last year, during which positive progress was made in the important common understandings between the two heads of state. China appreciates Eritrea’s adherence to an independent foreign policy, its efforts to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, and its strategic and long-term perspective for viewing China-Eritrea relations. He stressed that China and Eritrea should be good brothers having a heart-to-heart affinity, good partners for mutual benefit and win-win results, and good friends for safeguarding fairness and justice.

Noting that he first visited China 57 years ago [when he was one of a number of young Eritrean freedom fighters invited to receive military and political training in China], Isaias Afwerki said that over the past half century and more, he has witnessed firsthand China’s great development achievements and transformative changes. China plays an important role in the world and has increasingly become a key force leading global governance reform. The Eritrea-China relationship is characterised by a long history, solid friendship, sound cooperation, and common understanding on many issues. Its cooperation with China is helping and will continue to help African countries achieve greater development, resist colonialism and hegemonism, and gain equality and dignity in the international community. Eritrea stays committed to the one-China policy and hopes to deepen cooperation with China in such fields as energy, infrastructure and maritime affairs.

President Afwerki also met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang the next day.

Li Qiang pointed out that under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, China is ready to work with Eritrea to further expand trade exchanges, deepen cooperation in areas such as mining, agriculture, infrastructure and education, tap into the potential of cooperation in clean energy, blue economy and other areas, and create new growth drivers for bilateral cooperation.

Isaias Afwerki said that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has achieved remarkable development achievements, playing an exemplary role in maintaining world peace and stability and supporting Africa’s development and revitalisation, which Eritrea highly appreciates. Eritrea is ready to take the opportunity of deepening the strategic partnership with China to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as infrastructure construction, mining and agriculture, with a view to elevate Eritrea-China and Africa-China relations to higher levels in the new era, work together to tackle global challenges, jointly oppose hegemonism, and make greater contributions to human development and progress as well as international fairness and justice.

Meeting with Malian President Colonel Assimi Goïta, the two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Mali relationship to a strategic partnership. Xi Jinping pointed out that the China-Mali friendship was personally forged by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries. Sixty years ago, the two sides issued a joint communique, which for the first time included China’s eight principles in foreign aid, advocating respect for national sovereignty, development of an independent economy and non-interference in internal affairs. These principles not only serve as a guide for the long-term friendly cooperation between China and Mali, but also set the tone for China-Africa cooperation in promoting the establishment of a new international order. [Mali, under the leadership of socialist President Modibo Keïta, established diplomatic relations with China on October 25 1960, shortly after winning independence from French colonial rule on September 22 that year. The Eight Principles to govern China’s foreign economic and technical assistance were put forward by Premier Zhou Enlai in Mali in early 1964 during his December 1963-February 1964 visit to 10 African countries. They are:

China always bases itself on the principle of equality and mutual benefit in providing aid to other nations.

China never attaches any conditions or asks for any privileges.

China helps lighten the burden of recipient countries as much as possible.

China aims at helping recipient countries to gradually achieve self-reliance and independent development.

China strives to develop aid projects that require less investment but yield quicker results.

China provides the best-quality equipment and materials of its own manufacture.

In providing technical assistance, China shall see to it that the personnel of the recipient country fully master such techniques.

The Chinese experts are not allowed to make any special demands or enjoy any special amenities.]

Colonel Assimi Goïta said that the people of Mali and China enjoy a brotherly friendship and bilateral cooperation is sincere and pragmatic. He thanked China for providing various and valuable assistance to Mali’s economic and social development. Mali hopes to further consolidate the friendship with China, elevate the strategic partnership, and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, energy, mining, security and other areas. Both Mali and China respect national sovereignty and independence and oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs. Mali appreciates China’s efforts and contributions to promote regional and world peace and development and looks forward to closer multilateral cooperation with China.

Mnangagwa: Zimbabwe and China enjoy brotherly friendship

Chinese President Xi Jinping held numerous bilateral meetings with African leaders around the recent Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), with a number of African presidents simultaneously paying a state visit to China.

On the afternoon of September 3, the Chinese leader held an important meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was in China for the summit and to pay a state visit from August 29-September 6.

Noting the profound traditional friendship between China and Zimbabwe, Xi Jinping said that in recent years, under their joint guidance, the two countries have continued to deepen political mutual trust and achieved remarkable results in cooperation, setting a good example of solidarity and coordination among developing countries. Next year will mark the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. [China and Zimbabwe established diplomatic relations on April 18, 1980, the very day that Zimbabwe won its independence following an armed liberation struggle which was consistently and strongly supported by China. Emmerson Mnangagwa himself was one of many Zimbabwean freedom fighters who received military and political training in China.] Further consolidating and deepening the ironclad friendship between China and Zimbabwe meets the common expectations of the two peoples. The two sides should uphold the original aspiration of friendship, establish a “five-star ironclad” cooperation framework underpinned by politics, economy and trade, security, culture, and international cooperation, and work together to build a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future.

Xi Jinping stressed that the two countries and the two parties, the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) share similar views [CGTN reported this as similarity in philosophy] and solid mutual trust, which is the greatest strength of China-Zimbabwe relations. China supports Zimbabwe in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and opposes external interference and illegal sanctions. [During the liberation war, or Chimurenga, ZANU, as the party was then known, declared its adherence to Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought. Today, it advocates Socialism with Zimbabwean Characteristics.]

Emmerson Mnangagwa said that during this visit to China, he visited Hunan, Shenzhen and Nanjing, and he was greatly encouraged and inspired. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has made great achievements in development, and many Chinese technologies and companies are taking the lead in the world. He thanked China for its valuable support for Zimbabwe’s economic and social development, including the fight against COVID-19. China’s help and cooperation have benefited the Zimbabwean people and created new bonds of Zimbabwe-China friendship in the new era. The Zimbabwean side is ready to strengthen experience exchange with China on state governance and party administration, deepen cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, minerals, new energy and other fields, and so help Zimbabwe’s modernisation process. The Zimbabwean side thanks China for speaking out for Zimbabwe on international occasions, appreciates China’s constructive role in international and regional affairs such as in the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, supports a series of global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, and is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China. Zimbabwe firmly abides by the one-China principle and is willing to continue to be a staunch and close friend of China in Southern Africa.

The two sides issued a Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Zimbabwe on Deepening and Enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation and Building a High-Level China-Zimbabwe Community with a Shared Future.

President Mnangagwa also held a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the same day.

Stand in solidarity with CPK National Vice Chairperson, Booker Ngesa Omole

The Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) has strongly denounced what it describes as “the illegal and politically motivated arrest of our National Vice Chairperson, Booker Ngesa Omole”, on September 7, 2024.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the CPK explains that: “Booker was on an official assignment for the Communist Party of Kenya, en route to China, a country with which Kenya has ongoing diplomatic relations. In a shocking display of abuse of power, Booker was arrested aboard a Qatar Airways flight bound for Beijing via Doha. The immigration police at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) acted on a stop order with no basis in law.”

This action by the Kenyan authorities in forcibly preventing one of its citizens from travelling to China on an official invitation is particularly outrageous and provocative as it occurs in the immediate aftermath of President William Ruto’s own visit to China to attend the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and serves to expose the venal and duplicitous nature of the Kenyan comprador bourgeoisie.

The CPK note that: “The arresting officer even mocked him of competing with the president by thinking he can travel to Beijing when the head of state has just concluded his visit to China. We must ask ourselves: Why is this government so afraid of Booker’s trip to China? What truths does he carry that they fear?”

The CPK has been in the forefront of the recent upsurge in the militant struggle of the Kenyan youth, workers, poor and other sections of the people against poverty, attacks on living standards, repression and subordination to imperialism and Booker himself is a courageous and inspirational leader who has clearly struck fear into the hearts of the regime.

Booker and his party are also good friends and close comrades of Friends of Socialist China. He was the main speaker at our meeting on ‘Africa, China and the rise of the Global South’, held at London’s Marx Memorial Library on March 16 this year.

We join with the CPK, the risen people of Kenya and communists, anti-imperialists and democrats around the world in demanding that the Kenyan authorities drop any charges against Comrade Booker, return his travel documents and other possessions, and cease their harassment and repression against the Kenyan progressive movement and people.

Statement from the Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK)

Comrade Booker’s Illegal Arrest: A Cowardly Attack by a Regime in Fear

Fellow Kenyans, comrades, and the international community, we come to you in a state of fury and defiance after the illegal and politically motivated arrest of our National Vice Chairperson, Booker Ngesa Omole, on the 7th of September, 2024.

This regime has once again shown its true colours—an administration of fear, repression, and state-sponsored harassment against those who dare challenge its authority. Booker was on an official assignment for the Communist Party of Kenya, en route to China, a country with which Kenya has ongoing diplomatic relations. In a shocking display of abuse of power, Booker was arrested aboard a Qatar Airways flight bound for Beijing via Doha. The immigration police at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) acted on a stop order with no basis in law, detaining him for six hours before handing him over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The state is desperately trying to silence the leaders of the revolutionary movement. What was the basis of Booker’s arrest? Incitement to violence—an outrageous and baseless charge meant to humiliate and intimidate. The arresting officer even mocked him of competing with the president by thinking he can travel to Beijing when the head of state has just concluded his visit to China. The absurdity of this explanation exposes the fragile paranoia gripping this regime. The Kenyan government is willing to expend more resources chasing after revolutionaries than addressing the real criminals plundering our country. We must ask ourselves: why is this government so afraid of Booker’s trip to China?

What truths does he carry that they fear? Let it be known: there is nothing illegal about Booker’s travel! The same President who continues runs from the truth in Kenya only visits China to peddle lies and more lies. The hypocrisy is staggering.

Booker was taken from JKIA to Central Police Station under the cover of night, where he was locked up for two hours. It was only due to public pressure and multiple calls to the Inspector General that he was released at 11 p.m. But the damage had been done.

His travel documents—passport, yellow fever card, and boarding pass—were confiscated, and to this moment, the state has yet to return them. Let this be clear: the charges of incitement and the use of Section 56 of the Police Act are relics of colonial rule, unconstitutional and out of place in post-2010 Kenya. These laws must be quashed from our penal co de, and we demand their immediate abolition. This harassment will not deter us. The Kenya Kwanza regime, led by the dictator William Ruto, must return Booker’s travel documents immediately and cease this state-sponsored witch hunt. They can try to harass us, intimidate us, and fabricate charges, but the truth is on our side. The only criminals here are the ones sitting in power, auctioning off our country to imperialists and multinational corporations.

Ruto shall not change. He is beyond reform. Every act of repression only cements what we have long known: the only solution for this nation is to remove him from power once and for all. The Kenyan people deserve leadership that fights for them, not against them.

The Communist Party of Kenya, alongside all revolutionaries and patriots, will continue the struggle for justice, freedom, and dignity. To the Kenyan people, rise up! Let this illegal arrest serve as a reminder of the lengths this regime will go to maintain its grip on power.

We shall not be silenced. Ruto and his cronies have no future in a free and just Kenya. The people shall prevail. The revolution will triumph. Return Booker’s documents! Stop the witch hunt! Ruto must go!

Signed, The Central Organizing Committee of the Communist Party of Kenya In solidarity with the oppressed masses of Kenya

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:

China to give LDCs including 33 African countries zero-tariff treatment

President Xi Jinping announced at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing on Wednesday that China would unilaterally give all least developing countries (LDCs) zero-tariff market access for all products, making China the first major economy to take such a step. This move is part of a wide-ranging action plan agreed at the forum, which includes over 50 billion dollars of investment by China in African development initiatives over the next three years.

The FOCAC summit has been taking place amidst a backdrop of increasingly hysterical propaganda about the China-Africa relationship in the Western media, particularly in relation to China’s infrastructure investment. China is painted as engaging in exploitative, neocolonial practices, but this does not chime with reality. Indeed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on the sidelines of the FOCAC summit that he did not believe Chinese investments in Africa were pushing the continent into a ‘debt trap’ but were, rather, part of a mutually beneficial relationship.

A few facts that Washington’s stenographers routinely ignore:

China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 years in a row
China provides finance for desperately-needed infrastructure projects, with interest rates typically half those of Western lenders, and with longer repayment periods
China’s investment is focused on meeting Africa’s needs, particularly around energy, transport, telecommunications and green development
With Chinese support, Ethiopia in 2015 celebrated the opening of the first metro train system in sub-Saharan Africa
The African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa was funded by the Chinese government as a gift to the AU
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) was built with Chinese support
While there are endless scare stories about Chinese companies only employing Chinese workers, research shows that over 75 percent of employees in Chinese companies in Africa are local
A key reason for the popularity of Chinese financing is that it comes without strings attached, unlike organisations like the IMF, with its demands for austerity, privatisation and deregulation
52 of the 54 African countries have signed up to the Belt and Road Initiative
China does not interfere in the internal affairs of African countries, and regards respect for other countries’ sovereignty as an inviolable principle
China-Africa energy cooperation offers the opportunity for Africa to leapfrog the fossil fuel age and move straight to renewable energy
Tens of thousands of African students attend universities in China, which offers more university scholarships to African students than the leading western governments combined
China’s approach is markedly different to that of the West. At the 2018 FOCAC summit, Xi Jinping outlined China’s “Five No” approach to its relations with Africa: 1) No interference into African countries’ pursuit of development paths that fit their national conditions. 2) No interference in African countries’ internal affairs. 3) No imposition of China’s will on African countries. 4) No attachment of political strings to assistance to Africa. 5) No seeking of selfish political gains in investment and financing cooperation with Africa.
China is helping Africa to break out of an underdevelopment that was forced on it by Western colonialism and imperialism. As Liberia’s former Minister of Public Works W Gyude Moore said, “China has built more infrastructure in Africa in two decades than the West has in centuries”.

So when the West accuses of China of neo-colonialism in Africa, it is really just engaging in projection and slander.

The following article is republished from Global Times.

China has decided to give all least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Thursday in a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

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, Xi said, Xinhua reported.

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,” Xi said.

Chinese experts said that this new trade measure will not only greatly facilitate trade between Africa and the world’s second-largest economy but also inject new impetus into Africa’s development through enhanced trade and investment.

“Our offering of zero-tariff treatment to the least developed countries in Africa … is actually a crucial component of support for trade… The core development concept is to unlock Africa’s autonomous development capabilities through enhanced trade, rather than merely increasing the volume and quality of China-Africa trade,” Song Wei, a professor at the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Global Times on Thursday.

In recent years, under the strategic guidance of heads of state from China and Africa, economic and trade cooperation has shown promising results.

In 2023, China-Africa trade reached $282.1 billion, marking a historic high for the second consecutive year, said Lin Honghong, director of the Department of International Relations of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, at a press briefing for the FOCAC, on Tuesday.

Additionally, over the past three years, Chinese companies have provided more than 1.1 million jobs in Africa. “These figures fully demonstrate that China-Africa economic and trade cooperation continues to maintain strong momentum,” said Lin.

The zero-tariff policy will lead to more African agricultural products and mineral resources, which are strengths of Africa, entering China, Song said.

At the same time, leveraging e-commerce, the new trade policy will promote the entry of more advantageous Chinese products into Africa, meeting the development needs of Africa, and improving the quality of life of the African people, the Chinese expert said.

Major announcement from Xi Jinping at the FOCAC Opening Ceremony: "China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider. We have decided to give all LDCs (least developed countries) having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff… pic.twitter.com/2pzc9vEMJw
— Carlos (@agent_of_change) September 5, 2024

🇿🇲Zambia expert:
In Africa, the U.S. leaders landed at the airport built by China, drove on the road built by China, and spoke in a building built by China, to tell African people not to work with China …😅 pic.twitter.com/8Ob1KffI8n
— Li Jingjing 李菁菁 (@Jingjing_Li) September 5, 2024

China and South Africa to boost cooperation on renewable energy, digital economy and AI

With the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit being held in Beijing from September 4-6, as the country’s greatest diplomatic event of 2024, leaders of some 50 African countries began arriving in the Chinese capital from the beginning of the month.

Among President Xi Jinping’s first bilateral meetings with his visitors was that in the afternoon of September 2 with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who also paid a state visit to China that day.

At their meeting, President Xi pointed out that the friendship between China and South Africa stems from their mutual support in the fight for national liberation, from their mutual assistance in advancing national development, and from their unity and coordination in pursuit of international equity and justice. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and also the 30th anniversary of the new South Africa. Despite changes in the international landscape, there has been no change to the mission of China and South Africa to pursue modernisation, no change to their commitment to promoting China-Africa cooperation, and no change to their aspiration to improve global governance. Greater unity and cooperation between China and South Africa meet the expectations of the two peoples and is consistent with the historic process of the growth of the Global South. It has important significance for the times and implications for the world.

The Chinese leader further stressed that transformation unseen in a century is accelerating across the world and human society is facing unprecedented challenges. The more complex the international landscape, the more important that countries of the Global South stay committed to independence, solidarity and coordination to jointly safeguard international equity and justice.

President Ramaphosa recalled the fourth successful state visit by President Xi to South Africa last year where the two sides celebrated the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and brought the relationship into a golden era. South Africa and China enjoy strong political trust and deep friendship and share similar positions and the same goals on many issues, he stressed.

Following the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents, the two countries issued the Joint Statement Between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa on the Establishment of an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era.

The two sides reaffirmed that they cherish the special and ever-growing friendship between the two countries and recommitted to working together towards building a high-quality China-South Africa community with a shared future. To carry forward the friendship, consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance coordination, the two Heads of State agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, underpinned by strong political ties and focused on a prosperous future with balanced trade and accelerated transformative economic growth.

China congratulated President Ramaphosa on his re-election as President of the Republic of South Africa, and believes that under his leadership, the South African Government of National Unity will achieve success in building a united, just, equal and prosperous country as espoused in the National Development Plan, including maintaining an independent and non-aligned foreign policy based on the principle of progressive internationalism. China firmly supports national unity and the path of economic and social development that South Africa has chosen and respects efforts by the South African government to safeguard its national interests so as to improve the lives of all South Africans. The South African government reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China Policy, recognised that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China, and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. South Africa supports efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

Regarding economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to work on strengthening cooperation and synergy between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and to continue implementing the 10 Years Strategic Programme of Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029).

They agreed that promoting modernisation is the joint goal in building a high-level South Africa-China community with a shared future. The two sides will deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture, health, medical sciences and infrastructure development. However, they will further seize opportunities presented by the new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, focusing on key areas such as the digital economy, new energies and artificial intelligence, boost cooperation on new quality productive forces, and further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in renewable energy, energy storage and power transmission and distribution.

China is committed to sharing with South Africa experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation, in building poverty alleviation model villages, and offering support for South Africa’s coordinated urban and rural development. The two sides further agreed to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, women, health, youth, education, sport, media, tourism, and other people-to-people cooperation fields.

The two sides applauded the recent 70th Anniversary of China’s Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, as these were espoused in the buildup to the Asia-Africa Summit of 1955 in Bandung and were later adopted as the main goals and objectives of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

They also expressed deep concern about the serious humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip. Both countries called for the earnest implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2728 and an immediate ceasefire and end to all fighting, and support resuming a process of political settlement of the Palestinian question. Alluding in particular to South Africa’s case against Israel, brought to the International Court of Justice, China commended the positive role that South Africa has played in activating the role of the international community in the conflict in Gaza and is willing to work together toward a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement at an early date. South Africa expressed its appreciation to China for successfully inviting various Palestinian factions to hold a reconciliation dialogue and to sign the Beijing Declaration.

We reprint below the report on the meeting, which was released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, as well as the full text of the joint statement as published by the Xinhua News Agency.

China and Africa safeguard global peace and promote development

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing, September 2-4. It is six years since the summit was last held in China and it will be the country’s largest diplomatic event for this year.

In advance of the summit, on August 31, the Xinhua News Agency published a guest opinion contributed by Li Xiang, China’s Ambassador to Eritrea. The Ambassador notes that:

“Politically, China and Africa share the same aspirations and vision. China and Africa have supported each other in fighting imperialism, colonialism and racism, based on similar suffering in recent history. In the struggle for national independence, China and Africa, as members of the Global South, have been united in their common goal, extending mutual assistance and having been the most distinctive, steadfast and major supporters of each other’s anti-imperialist, anti-colonial and anti-hegemonic struggles.”

On economic matters, he reiterates that: “China will always walk side by side with Africa on its path to modernisation and join hands with Africa to inject strong impetus into the promotion of an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.”

Both China and Africa, Li underlines, “have had the tragic experience of being colonised, and we cherish the golden rule of sovereign equality, oppose the big abusing the small and the strong bullying the weak, advocate the equality of all countries, large and small, and oppose interference in the internal affairs of other countries.”

Noting that, following his historic state visit to China in May 2023, President Isaias Afwerki will lead the Eritrean delegation to the summit, and alluding to the inspiration that the Eritrean people drew from the experience of the Chinese revolution during their liberation struggle, Ambassador Li writes: “China and Eritrea have established a strategic partnership and are in a unique position to build a closer community with a shared future. The two countries share similar philosophies, and their people maintain close contact.”

Meanwhile, in the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference on August 30, spokesperson Lin Jian said that China and Africa endured colonialist and imperialist suppression and invasion, and the two sides supported each other and fought together on the road of anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism and won the independence of their countries and the liberation of their nations.

“Therefore, we deeply cherish independence, self-determination, fairness and justice; we agree on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence; we are committed to building an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation; and we both aim to make the international order more just and equitable.”

China and the African countries stand for bridging the gap between rich countries and poor ones, reject all forms of interference by big powers and economic coercion, and ask developed countries to face up to their historical responsibilities and deliver on their development commitments.

“At the upcoming FOCAC Summit next week, the two sides will enhance unity and cooperation among developing countries to augment the strength of the Global South, jointly champion international fairness and justice, and advance the peace and development of the world,” Lin said.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Jointly build a closer China-Africa community with shared future to push forward China-Eritrea strategic partnership

October 31 (Xinhua) — by Li Xiang (Chinese ambassador to Eritrea).

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing on Sept. 4-6. Chinese and African leaders will gather in Beijing again after six years to discuss future development and cooperation and exchange governance experience. H.E. President Isaias Afwerki will lead the delegation of Eritrea to attend this summit, following his historic state visit to China in May 2023. Through this summit, China and Africa will enhance their long-standing friendship and deepen unity and collaboration to open up new vistas for faster common development and start a new chapter for a China-Africa community with a shared future.

The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century. The waves of anti-globalization, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. Global crises such as geopolitical conflicts and climate change occur frequently. Humankind is at a crucial crossroads, and China-Africa cooperation and development are facing more uncertainty. China’s answer to the question of “where is human society headed and how can China-Africa cooperation develop” is to build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future. This is the trend of the times and the common voice of the people of China and Africa.

Fu Cong: The historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity

China has again made clear its support for Africa to be given effective representation in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Speaking at the UNSC open debate on this topic and on addressing the historical injustice experienced by Africa, on August 12, Ambassador Fu Cong noted that the world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, with the rise of the Global South and the unstoppable trend of multipolarity. African countries, he said, have become a vibrant force on the global political stage, a rising player in the global economy, a core member of the Global South, an important pole in the multipolar world, and a key participant in global governance.

Nevertheless, he said, “we regret to see that the African continent is still facing many challenges to peace and development, that African countries have not yet gained the international respect they deserve, that expectations of African people have not received sufficient attention, and that Africa’s international influence has not been on full display.”

Putting this into its correct historical context, the Chinese Ambassador noted that, the historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity and a heavy issue that the international community must face today. Historically, Western countries have imposed hundreds of years of brutal colonial rule and blatant racial discrimination on Africa. They carried out the inhumane slave trade and plundered resources, depriving the African people of the natural rights and the dignity they deserve, artificially interrupting the historical process of Africa’s development, and plunging African countries into a long period of suffering and disaster. This is the root cause of all historical injustice in Africa. Even to this day, some Western countries still cling to the colonialist mindset with a self-righteous attitude on African issues. They interfere in the internal affairs of African countries by using financial, legal, sanction-based, and even military means, and exercise unscrupulous oppression and control over African countries in the areas of currency, energy, minerals, and national defence. To rectify the historical injustice against Africa, we must, first and foremost, unequivocally oppose the legacy of colonialism and all kinds of hegemonic practices. Western countries should truly shoulder their historical responsibilities, change course, stop such wrong practices as external interference and exerting pressure through sanctions, and return the future of Africa to the hands of the African people.

Security Council reform, he continued, is an important part of the reform of the multilateral governance architecture. Based on the common interests of the entire continent, Africa has formed a common position through the Ezulwini Consensus, which reflects the justice and legitimacy of Africa’s demand for reform and enjoys a unique moral advantage. This is fundamentally different from the practice of a few countries and interest groups who pursue their own selfish and small-circle interests when it comes to Council reform. [This may be understood to refer, in particular, to the persistent attempts by a handful of countries, principally Japan, to secure permanent UNSC membership.] African countries’ appeal to be treated as a special case and priority deserves the attention and support of the international community. China has taken the lead in its favourable response and explicit support for this request.

The following article was originally published on the website of China’s Permanent Mission to the UN.

President,

China welcomes President Julius Maada Bio presiding over today’s meeting, and thanks Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres, President Dennis Francis, and Ms. Sithembile Mbete for their briefings.

The world today is undergoing major changes unseen in a century, with the rise of the Global South and the unstoppable trend of multipolarity. As the youngest continent, Africa has made decades of unremitting efforts to pursue unity and progress, to maintain multilateralism, and defend the common interests of developing countries. It has demonstrated an active African image and a strong African power. African countries have become a vibrant force on the global political stage, a rising player in the global economy, a core member of the Global South, an important polar in the multipolar world, and a key participant in global governance.

At the same time, we regret to see that the African continent is still facing many challenges to peace and development, that African countries have not yet gained the international respect they deserve, that expectations of African people have not received sufficient attention, and that Africa’s international influence has not been on full display. China hopes that through today’s discussion, all parties will gain a more comprehensive insight into the historical injustice against Africa, see the hope for its future, and work together with African countries and their people to promote an equitable and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization. I wish to share the following three points.

First, the historical injustice endured by Africa is a huge moral scar on humanity and a heavy issue that the international community must face today. Historically, Western countries have imposed hundreds of years of brutal colonial rule and blatant racial discrimination on Africa. They carried out the inhumane slave trade and plundered resources, depriving the African people of the natural rights and the dignity they deserve, artificially interrupting the historical process of Africa’s development, and plunging African countries into a long period of suffering and disaster. This is the root cause of all historical injustice in Africa. Even to this day, some Western countries still cling to the colonialist mindset with a self-righteous attitude on African issues. They interfere in the internal affairs of African countries by using financial, legal, sanction-based, and even military means, and exercise unscrupulous oppression and control over African countries in the areas of currency, energy, minerals, and national defense. To rectify the historical injustice against Africa, we must, first and foremost, unequivocally oppose the legacy of colonialism and all kinds of hegemonic practices. Western countries should truly shoulder their historical responsibilities, change course, stop such wrong practices as external interference and exerting pressure through sanctions, and return the future of Africa to the hands of the African people.

Second, the redress of historical injustice against Africa must be both holistic and focused. It is important to recognize that the injustice is systemic and structural in nature, involving various political, economic, scientific, and technological areas, and manifests itself in various aspects of rights, opportunities, and rules. This is an undeniable fact and an issue of great urgency. China believes that the primary task is to support African countries on the path of sustainable development as the foundation of lasting peace. When we look at the hot spot issues in Africa on the Council’s agenda, poverty and under-development are often common denominators. The international community should implement the UN 2030 Agenda together with AU Agenda 2063, and support Africa in its industrialization and modernization and its better participation in the international division of labor, so that it can share the dividends of economic globalization and break the vicious cycle of poverty and instability.

Third, to rectify the historical injustice against Africa, the fundamental task is to accelerate the overhaul of the multilateral governance architecture and to enhance Africa’s representation and voice. Security Council reforms is an important part of the reform of the multilateral governance architecture. Based on the common interests of the entire continent, Africa has formed a common position through the Ezulwini Consensus, which reflects the justice and legitimacy of Africa’s demand for reform and enjoys a unique moral advantage. This is fundamentally different from the practice of a few countries and interest groups who pursue their own selfish and small-circle interests when it comes to Council reform. African countries’ appeal to be treated as a special case and priority deserves the attention and support of the international community. China has taken the lead in its favorable response and explicit support for this request. We are pleased to note that such a request has been included in Security Council reform-related text in the Pact for the Future and the IGN co-chairs elements paper, and that Africa’s demand is gaining greater understanding, recognition, and support.

The reform of the financial architecture is another important area of multilateral governance reform. The current international financial system is unfavorable to developing countries in terms of investment and financing, credit ratings, and economic and technical assistance. It imposes many additional conditions which severely hamper the development and revitalization of African countries. The irresponsible monetary policies of some major economies have had serious spillover effects, repeatedly reaping the hard-won development gains of developing countries. Such a system is unsustainable and must be reformed and improved as soon as possible. Secretary-General Guterres and the Global South have made a strong appeal to the international community to take the Pact of the Future as an opportunity to launch truly ambitious initiatives and push for substantial steps of reform.

President,

China and Africa are good friends, good partners, and good brothers who are sincere and friendly based on mutual assistance and joint development. Since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we have been firmly supportive of African countries’ just struggle for independence and national liberation and a development path for Africa in line with its conditions. Since the reform and opening-up of China, we have vigorously promoted mutually beneficial cooperation. In recent years, we have upheld President Xi Jinping’s principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests in our cooperation with Africa, and have faster tracked the building of the China-Africa community with a shared future. Under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, we have carried out all-round, multifaceted cooperation in infrastructure, trade, energy, health, digital economy, people and cultural exchanges, and other areas, benefiting the entire African continent. Early next month, the Forum will hold its summit in Beijing. China is ready to work with Africa based on our friendship and cooperation to jointly build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future China is also willing to work with international partners to sincerely help Africa develop and revitalize itself, support Africa with concrete actions to address historical injustice, promote a more just and rational new international political and economic order, abd truly enhance Africa’s representation, voice, and decision-making in the multilateral governance system.

Thank you, President.

Liu Jianchao leads delegation to South Africa

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), led a party delegation to South Africa at the end of July and the beginning of August. It was the first stop on a tour of a number of countries in Africa and Latin America.

On August 1, Minister Liu met with Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa and of the Republic of South Africa. Welcoming Liu and his delegation, Ramaphosa said that the CPC delegation’s visit to South Africa at this time (following the recent election and the formation of a government of national unity) demonstrates the Chinese side’s firm support for the ANC and South Africa. He said that he maintains close exchanges with President Xi Jinping and has forged a close friendship, of which he is proud. President Xi Jinping has visited South Africa many times, promoting bilateral relations for continuous improvement and upgrading, which has deeply moved and inspired the South African side. The South African government will keep its policies toward China unchanged and will continue to be committed to promoting the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable support and assistance.

Ramaphosa added that the leadership of the CPC is what has allowed China to realise today’s development achievements and the CPC’s achievements have also inspired the ANC. Since its establishment, the ANC has been fighting for South Africa’s national independence and development. Despite setbacks, it will not give up easily, nor will it shirk its responsibility to lead the country’s development and revitalisation. Calling the CPC a reliable friend and close comrade of the ANC, he said the ANC cherishes its sincere friendship with the CPC.

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its victory in the general election again and President Cyril Ramaphosa on his successful re-election. He voiced confidence that under the strong leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC, the government of national unity will closely unite the people and help South Africa make new development achievements. (In the election, the ANC secured 40.2% of the vote, almost twice that of its nearest rival – and now coalition partner – the Democratic Alliance [DA], which secured 21.8%.)

China and South Africa, Liu continued, are both important members of the Global South and emerging economies. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with South Africa on multilateral affairs, promote the construction of a more just and reasonable international political and economic order, and safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries.

He added that the CPC and the ANC have a long-standing friendship. The Chinese side firmly believes that as a mature political party that has stood the test of the changing circumstances, the ANC will carry forward its fine traditions, firmly grasp the correct development direction of South Africa, and promote China-South Africa relations for robust development.

The previous day, Liu had met with ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its leadership in forming a government of national unity, which proves that the ANC is a mature century-old party with political wisdom and believes that the ANC will unite and lead the South African people to achieve new achievements in national development.

On August 1, he met with Ronald Lamola, Member of the National Executive Committee of the ANC and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. Lamola said that South Africa is grateful to the Chinese side for providing valuable support in its struggle for national independence and construction. He expressed the hope to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side in areas such as trade and investment. He added that the the foreign policy of the new South African government will not change, and that South Africa will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and steadfastly support China’s positions on issues concerning its core interests. South Africa highly appreciates China’s significant role in promoting the improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as facilitating the reconciliation of Palestinian factions. He expressed the hope to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side within the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the G-20. South Africa looks forward to participating in the 2024 FOCAC (Forum on China Africa Cooperation) Summit in Beijing, this coming September, believing that it will help African countries advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and promote greater development in Africa-China relations.

On July 31, Liu met with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP). He congratulated the SACP on its 103rd anniversary, which fell in February. He said that the CPC and the SACP are both Marxist parties, share the same ideals and beliefs, always understand and support each other, and are time-tested good comrades and good brothers.

Mapaila said, the SACP cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC, and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable assistance to South Africa’s economic and social development and the improvement of people’s livelihood, as well as its strong support for the SACP, the African National Congress and other progressive forces in South Africa.

On August 3, Liu also met with the parliamentary leaders of some of the political parties which are participating in the new government of national unity. He met with Mzwanele Nyhontso, President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development; Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, President of the Al Jama-ah and Deputy Minister of Social Development; Brett Herron, Secretary-General of the GOOD Party; and Thandi Nontenja, National Treasurer of the United Democratic Movement (UDM).

Liu said, China and South Africa enjoy a time-honoured friendship. As early as in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and racism, the two peoples have supported each other and forged a profound friendship.

The South African party leaders thanked the Chinese side for its long-term and valuable support to the economic and social development of South Africa and expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from its experience in party building and state governance in order to facilitate South Africa’s development and advance South Africa-China relations.

For their part, Nyhontso said, the PAC has a long history of interacting with China, with many of its leaders and members having trained in China. He hoped to learn from China’s experience in areas such as land reform and rural development to help South Africa solve its prominent problems. [China consistently supported the PAC as one of the country’s national liberation movements during the struggle against apartheid, maintaining a close relationship for a long time.]

Hendricks fondly recalled his experience of interacting with the Chinese side and appreciated China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation. Calling the strong leadership of the CPC the key to China’s success, he said he would like to learn from the Chinese side’s experience.

Herron said, South Africa can benefit from China’s rapid economic and social development and hoped that the two countries will strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, closely coordinate and cooperate in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms and promote a more just and equitable international order.

Nontenja said, as South Africa is undergoing special changes in its political landscape, the UDM is willing to play a role in the country’s development and hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC on national and party construction.

On August 2, Liu and his delegation also held discussions with representatives from South Africa’s media and think tanks.

Following its visit to South Africa, the CPC delegation proceeded to Uruguay.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the IDCPC.

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of ANC and President of South Africa Meets with Liu Jianchao

Johannesburg, August 1st (IDCPC) — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of African National Congress (ANC) and President of South Africa, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.

Ramaphosa welcomed Liu and the CPC delegation. He said, the CPC delegation’s visit to South Africa, which is experiencing a special moment now, demonstrates the Chinese side’s firm support for the ANC and South Africa. I maintain close exchanges with President Xi Jinping and have forged a close friendship, which I am proud of. President Xi Jinping has visited South Africa many times, promoting bilateral relations for continuous improvement and upgrading, which has deeply moved and inspired the South African side. The South African government will keep its policies toward China unchanged, and will continue to be committed to promoting the development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and China. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable support and assistance.

Ramaphosa said, the leadership of the CPC is what allowed China to realize today’s development achievements, and the CPC’s achievements have also inspired the ANC. Since its establishment, the ANC has been fighting for South Africa’s national independence and development. Despite setbacks, it will not give up easily, nor will it shirk its responsibility to lead the country’s development and revitalization. Calling the CPC a reliable friend and close comrade of the ANC, he said the ANC cherishes its sincere friendship with the CPC and hopes to further strengthen exchanges between the two Parties at all levels and strengthen experience exchanges in national construction and party building.

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its victory in the general election again and President Cyril Ramaphosa on his successful re-election. Liu voiced confidence that under the strong leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC, the government of national unity will closely unite the people and help South Africa make new development achievements. In August last year, President Xi Jinping successfully visited South Africa and reached important consensus with President Cyril Ramaphosa, charting the course for the further development of relations between the two countries. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation in various fields, firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests, and promote China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership for new and greater development. China and South Africa are both important members of the Global South and emerging economies. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with South Africa on multilateral affairs, promote the construction of a more just and reasonable international political and economic order, and safeguard the common interests of the vast number of developing countries.

Liu said, the CPC and the ANC have a long-standing friendship. The Chinese side firmly believes that as a mature political party that has stood the test of the changing circumstances, the ANC will carry forward its fine traditions, firmly grasp the correct development direction of South Africa, and promote China-South Africa relations for robust development. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen institutionalized exchanges with the ANC as always, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, enhance its own governing capacity, and promote China-South Africa relations to a new level.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa

Pretoria, July 31st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa.

Liu said, the Chinese side congratulates the ANC on its leadership in forming a government of national unity, which proves that the ANC is a mature century-old party with political wisdom, and believes that the ANC will unite and lead the South African people to achieve new achievements in national development. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to work with the ANC to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and two countries, maintain high-level strategic communication and political mutual trust, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests, deepen exchanges and mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, and bring China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. The Chinese side is willing to, together with the South African side, strengthen coordination and cooperation within multilateral frameworks such as the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the Group of 20, promote common development of the Global South countries, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice.

Mbalula said, the ANC and the CPC have a long-standing friendship, and the relationship between the two Parties is an important foundation for the relationship between South Africa and China. The ANC congratulated the CPC on the successful holding of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Mbalula introduced relevant situation of the South African general election of 2024, and said that the ANC will hold a National Executive Committee meeting to thoroughly summarize the experience and lessons. Calling China a reliable friend of South Africa, the ANC thanks the Chinese side for the long-term valuable support and assistance to South Africa. The South African government’s long-term commitment to the one-China principle will not change, and its friendly policy toward China will not change. Under the new situation, the ANC is willing to continue to strengthen high-level exchanges with the CPC, and learn experience in governing the Party and the country from the CPC, so as to overcome the current challenges, achieve self-reform, and lead the country to develop better.

Lindiwe Zulu, Member of the ANC National Executive Committee, Nokuthula Nqaba, Secretary General of ANC Women’s League and others, were present.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Ronald Lamola, Member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Pretoria, August 1st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Ronald Lamola, Member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Liu stated that Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa have provided important strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations, ushering in a “golden era” of building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state. Focusing on the implementation of the “Nine Programs” of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 10 Years Strategic Programme on Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029), both sides need to strengthen the deep alignment of development strategies, consolidate cooperation in advantageous areas, cultivate new growth drivers for cooperation, achieve mutual benefits, win-win results and common development, and continuously benefit the people of both countries.

Liu said, both China and South Africa are influential developing countries and emerging market nations. The Chinese side supports the South African side in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is willing to continue to work with the South African side under multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS cooperation mechanism and the Group of 20, practice true multilateralism, strengthen the Global South countries’ representation and voice in the global governance system, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries. The new meeting of the FOCAC will be held in Beijing. The Chinese side is willing to work with African countries, including South Africa, to achieve more win-win outcomes in China-Africa cooperation.

Lamola stated, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s successful visit to South Africa last year injected strong impetus into the future development of bilateral relations. South Africa is grateful to the Chinese side for providing valuable support in its struggle for national independence and construction. He expressed the hope to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with the Chinese side in areas such as trade and investment. The South African side also hoped that the Chinese side can help it address prominent issues in its development process, advance industrialization, and promote the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between South Africa and China. He said the foreign policy of the new South African government will not change and that South Africa will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle, steadfastly support China’s positions on issues concerning China’s core interests related to the Taiwan question, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Xizang. South Africa highly appreciates China’s significant role in promoting the improvement of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and facilitating the reconciliation of Palestinian factions. He expressed the hope to strengthen coordination with the Chinese side within BRICS and the Group of 20. South Africa looks forward to participating in the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, believing that the summit will help African countries advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and promote greater development in Africa-China relations.

Both sides exchanged views on international and regional issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party

Pretoria, July 31st (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Solly Afrika Mapaila, General Secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP).

Liu congratulated the SACP on its 103rd anniversary. He said that the CPC and the SACP are both Marxist parties, share the same ideals and beliefs, always understand and support each other, and are time-tested good comrades and good brothers. Under the new situation, the CPC is willing to work with the SACP to implement the important consensus reached by President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, continue to deepen strategic communication, strengthen experience exchanges on issues such as party building, promote practical cooperation in various fields, better promote the construction of respective countries, and bring more benefits to the people of the two countries.

Mapaila said, the SACP cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC, and thanks the Chinese side for its long-term valuable assistance to South Africa’s economic, social development and improvement of people’s livelihood, as well as the strong support for the SACP, the African National Congress and other progressive forces in South Africa. Under the new situation of the formation of a government of national unity in South Africa, the SACP hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC, deepen experience exchanges in state governance and administration, and promote South Africa-China relations for greater development. Mapaila also introduced the situation of the South African general election of 2024 and the current political situation in conjunction with the process of South Africa’s national democratic revolution.

Joyce Moloi-Moropa, SACP National Treasurer, Cde Thulas Nxesi, SACP Deputy National Chairperson, Jenny Schreiner, Member of SACP Political Bureau and others, were present.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Party Leaders in the National Assembly of South Africa

Cape Town, August 3rd (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with the leaders of some parties in the National Assembly of South Africa. Mzwanele Nyhontso, President of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania and Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mogamad Ganief Ebrahim Hendricks, President of the Al Jama-ah and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Brett Herron, Secretary-General of the GOOD Party, and Thandi Nontenja, National Treasurer of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), attended the meeting.

Liu said, China and South Africa enjoy a time-honored friendship. As early as in the struggle against imperialism, colonialism and racism, the two peoples have supported each other and forged a profound friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 26 years ago, the two sides have upheld sincerity and friendship with bilateral relations continuously reaching new heights. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, China-South Africa relations have entered a “golden era”. The Chinese side is willing to work with the South African side to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly support each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.

Liu said, relations between political parties are a vital part of state-to-state relations. The CPC is willing to strengthen communication and exchanges with the political parties in the National Assembly of South Africa, exchange views on important issues of common concern, enhance mutual understanding, further gather the forces of China-South Africa friendship, and push China-South Africa relations to a new height to bring more benefits to the two peoples. Liu also introduced the major experience of China’s economic and social development and the main features of Chinese modernization.

The party leaders thanked the Chinese side for its long-term and valuable support to the economic and social development of South Africa, and expressed their hope to strengthen exchanges with the CPC and learn from the CPC’s experience in party building and state governance to facilitate South Africa’s development and advance South Africa-China relations.

Nyhontso said, the PAC has a long history with interacting with China, with many of its leaders and members trained in China. He hoped to learn from China’s experience in areas such as land reform and rural development to help South Africa solve its prominent problems. Hendricks fondly recalled his experience of interacting with the Chinese side and appreciated China’s great achievements in poverty alleviation. Calling the strong leadership of the CPC the key to China’s success, he said he would like to learn from the Chinese side’s experience. Herron said, South Africa can benefit from China’s rapid economic and social development, and hoped that the two countries will strengthen practical cooperation in various fields, closely coordinate and cooperate in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, and promote a more just and equitable international order. Nontenja said, as South Africa is undergoing special changes in its political landscape, the UDM is willing to play a role in the country’s development, hoping to strengthen exchanges with the CPC on national and party construction.

Algerian foreign minister: China-Algeria friendship has deep roots

As part of a regional tour, Zhai Jun, the Chinese government’s Special Envoy for Middle East issues, visited Algeria on July 3, which afforded both governments the opportunity to reiterate their long-standing solidarity forged during the Algerian people’s war of independence against French colonialism.

Meeting Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf, Zhai Jun warmly congratulated Algeria on the upcoming 62nd anniversary of the victory of the independence revolution, and thanked Algeria for its consistent and firm support for the Chinese side on issues related to China’s core interests. He said that China will continue to firmly support Algeria in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and following a development path that suits its national conditions to achieve national development and revitalisation.

Ahmed Attaf said that the traditional friendship between Algeria and China has deep roots and a time-honoured history, and the Chinese side has provided valuable support for Algeria’s independence revolution, which has been remembered by the Algerian people for generations. Algeria is willing to actively participate in the preparations for this autumn’s summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and to contribute to its success.

The following report was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On July 3, 2024, Special Envoy Zhai Jun of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue visited Algeria, during which he met with Foreign Minister of Algeria Ahmed Attaf and had an exchange of views on bilateral relations as well as the development of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Zhai Jun warmly congratulated Algeria on the upcoming 62nd anniversary of the victory of the independence revolution, and thanked Algeria for its consistent and firm support for the Chinese side on issues related to China’s core interests. He said that China will continue to firmly support Algeria in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and following a development path that suits its national conditions to achieve national development and revitalization. China is ready to take the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries as an opportunity to deepen practical cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure construction, energy and mining, finance, information and communications, digital economy and other fields, so as to continuously enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. China is ready to work with Algeria to make good preparations for the summit of the FOCAC and to promote the sustained and in-depth development of China-Africa relations.

Ahmed Attaf said that the traditional friendship between Algeria and China has deep roots and a time-honored history, and the Chinese side has provided valuable support for Algeria’s independence revolution, which has been remembered by the Algerian people for generations. In recent years, Algeria-China relations have maintained high-level development, and the Algerian side is greatly proud of this. Algeria is ready to work with China to further deepen the friendly cooperation in investment, artificial intelligence, mining and other areas to take the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries to a new level. Algeria is willing to actively participate in the preparations for the summit of the FOCAC and contribute to the success of the summit.

On the same day, Special Envoy Zhai Jun held talks with Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Algeria Lounes Magramane, and they had an exchange of views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest and concern.

China and Guinea-Bissau elevate bilateral relations to a strategic partnership

The President of Guinea-Bissau Umaro Sissoco Embalo paid a state visit to China from July 9-13 at the invitation of his counterpart, Xi Jinping.

At their meeting on July 10, the two leaders elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

President Xi noted that in recent years, China and Guinea-Bissau have deepened bilateral relations, strengthened political mutual trust, expanded pragmatic cooperation and enhanced international coordination. China supports Guinea-Bissau in independently exploring a development path that suits its national conditions. He stressed that China stands ready to strengthen friendly exchanges with Guinea-Bissau at all levels, enhance experience-sharing on governance, and expand cooperation in areas such as agriculture, mining, infrastructure construction and the blue economy under the guidance of the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

China is willing to continue to provide support within its capacity for Guinea-Bissau’s domestic construction and will continue to send its rice experts and medical teams to assist Guinea-Bissau in ensuring food security and developing public health, he added, calling on the two sides to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in education, youth and other fields to bring the two peoples’ hearts closer.

Both China and Africa have splendid civilisations, both have suffered from the painful history of colonisation and aggression, and both cherish and pursue national independence and liberation, Xi said, adding that mutual support and assistance between China and African countries are sincere and genuine. China and African countries are good brothers with sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and offer an exemplary model for unity and cooperation between developing nations.

Noting that two weeks ago, the commemorative events marking the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were held in Beijing, and this autumn, a new Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit will be held in Beijing, Xi said China is willing to work with Guinea-Bissau and other African countries to champion the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, discuss major plans for China-Africa cooperation in the new era, safeguard the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice, and jointly build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

Embalo said Guinea-Bissau and China enjoy a solid and cordial relationship marked by unwavering mutual support, adding that whenever Guinea-Bissau faces difficulties, China has always provided invaluable assistance without hesitation, a gesture that the people of Guinea-Bissau will never forget.

Guinea-Bissau admires China’s remarkable development achievements and regards China as its top priority in foreign relations and most important partner. China, he added, has never engaged in colonialism, interfered in the internal affairs of other countries, or pointed fingers at other countries, and China has always treated small countries with equality and respect, consistently matching its words with actions.

Noting that China has brought cooperation projects to Africa, including schools, hospitals and roads, delivering benefits to the African people, Embalo said Guinea-Bissau greatly appreciates China’s important role and positive contributions in helping the development of the African continent, and actively supports China in hosting the new FOCAC Summit. Guinea-Bissau supports the BRI, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by President Xi and is willing to closely communicate and cooperate with China on multilateral affairs, to jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Meeting Li Qiang on the same day, the Chinese Premier noted that China and Guinea-Bissau are reliable good brothers and good partners. China always attaches importance to developing friendly cooperative relations with Guinea-Bissau. He added that China supports the people of Guinea-Bissau in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and supports Guinea-Bissau in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests.

Noting that Guinea-Bissau sincerely appreciates China’s long-term valuable support for its economic and social development, Embalo said Guinea-Bissau is willing to further strengthen practical cooperation with China in various fields such as economy, trade and infrastructure construction, and continue to move forward for common development.

Announcing Embalo’s visit at a Foreign Ministry press conference, spokesperson Lin Jian noted that the Chinese people firmly supported the people of Guinea-Bissau in their struggle for national independence and liberation in the 1970s. And giving a press conference at Bissau airport prior to his departure for China, Embalo said the two countries “have been traditional partners since the beginning of the national liberation struggle of Guinea-Bissau.”

In a generally hostile article, Germany’s Deutsche Welle nevertheless noted, “Bissau and Beijing are already collaborating in the areas of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, fisheries and defence. Ahead of the state visit, the next joint projects were announced: China will finance a large conference centre for the upcoming rotating presidency of Guinea-Bissau in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Additionally, 300 kilometres of roads will be renovated. Furthermore, a new university campus for 12,000 students will be constructed, among other investments, the Bissau-Guinean president announced.

“‘Before we set off for Beijing, China had already announced a donation of $27.5 million for Guinea-Bissau,’ said Embalo.”

It quotes local journalist Bacar Camara as saying that “the relationships date back to the 1970s when Mao Zedong’s China supported our freedom fighter Amilcar Cabral in his fight against the Portuguese colonial rulers. The first soldiers of the liberation organisation PAIGC [the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde] were trained militarily in China.”

(Besides leading the liberation struggle in Guinea-Bissau, Amilcar Cabral was also a significant and creative Marxist-Leninist thinker and theoretician.)

A scholarly article in the journal International History Review dates the relationship between China and the PAIGC to May 1960. A touching feature article carried by the Xinhua News Agency to coincide with the state visit underlined the longevity of this fraternal relationship of solidarity.

According to Xinhua: “In the square outside the east entrance of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping held an official welcome ceremony for President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday, featuring a unique touch: the playing of Guinea-Bissau’s national anthem, ‘This Is Our Well Beloved Motherland.’

“The anthem, written by Guinea-Bissau’s founding father Amilcar Lopes Cabral, has a surprising composer – Chinese musician Xiao He. In the later official meeting between the two presidents, Xi talked with a smile about this intriguing detail. ‘China and Guinea-Bissau have a special history of friendship,’ he said. ‘The national anthem of Guinea-Bissau, ‘This Is Our Well Beloved Motherland,’ which was played at the welcome ceremony just now, was written by Amilcar Lopes Cabral, the founding father of Guinea-Bissau, and composed by Chinese musician Xiao He.”

In response, Embalo said: “President Xi mentioned our national anthem just now, which we sing every day. It was written by our founding father and composed by a Chinese friend. This is something we will never forget.”

He also highlighted China’s support before and after the founding of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, saying the two peoples have always stood together.

The history of the national anthem traces back to 1963, when a delegation from then Portuguese Guinea visited China and heard a piece of music by Xiao He. Cabral, a member of the delegation, then asked Xiao to compose a piece that would inspire his people in their fight for independence. Xiao gladly agreed. Drawing inspiration from African music and set to a 1963 poem by Cabral, Xiao composed a song which later became the national anthem of the western African country.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Silence! On décolonise

We are very pleased that our article. ‘Quiet Please! We’re decolonising’, written by Dr. Sahidi Bilan and Rob Lemkin, which outlines the long history of internationalist support for the revolution in Niger on the part of the People’s Republic of China, has been translated into French and printed in Le Sahel Dimanche, one of the country’s leading newspapers, which is published by the state-owned press agency, Office National d’Édition et de Press (ONEP).

We reprint the French language version, as published by Le Sahel Dimanche, for the benefit of our French-speaking readers.

Lorsque le gouvernement militaire du Niger a expulsé, l’année dernière, les troupes et les diplomates de l’ancienne puissance colonisatrice française, certains Nigériens y ont vu la reprise d’un processus brutalement interrompu en septembre 1958, Il y a de cela soixante-six ans, à la veille de l’indépendance, le premier gouvernement africain du Niger. Le conseil était dirigé par le parti Sawaba (Sawaba signifie « libération » et « bien-être » dans la langue principale du Niger, le haoussa ) et son Premier ministre était un syndicaliste décolonial charismatique appelé Djibo Bakary.

Le renversement du Sawaba par la France en 1958 fut le premier coup d’État moderne en Afrique. En peu de temps, le parti fut proscrit et contraint à la clandestinité ; il a ensuite créé un mouvement de résistance avec le soutien d’États anti-impérialistes africains comme le Ghana et l’Algérie et a développé un important programme de formation à la guérilla avec l’aide du bloc socialiste, notamment de la République populaire de Chine.

‘’Silence ! On décolonise !’’ est le titre du grand livre de Djibo Bakary à la fois autobiographie et manifeste du programme radical de décolonisation dont il était l’un des principaux concepteurs. Nous utilisons son titre pour explorer une meilleure compréhension du coup d’État militaire du 26 juillet 2023 survenu au Niger suivi d’une rupture unilatérale des accords militaires avec la France, puis avec les États-Unis d’Amérique. Il est essentiel de se demander pourquoi aucun coup d’État militaire dans l’histoire post-indépendance du Niger (et il y en a eu huit, dont cinq ont réussi) n’a bénéficié d’un tel soutien populaire que celui du CNSP (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie).

Cet article donne d’abord une brève introduction à l’histoire et à la vision du Sawaba pour le Niger ; nous nous concentrons ensuite sur les liens avec la Chine, en particulier sur son rôle et son influence sur la tentative remarquablement ambitieuse mais désastreuse d’envahir le Niger du Sawaba en 1964; nous décrivons ensuite la répression intense qui a suivi et concluons en ramenant l’histoire au présent.

Les questions d’aujourd’hui sont les suivantes : dans quelle mesure les dirigeants actuels du Niger sont-ils conscients du projet décolonial radical de Bakary et du Sawaba ? Les récentes expulsions des forces militaires occidentales font-elles partie d’une véritable politique anti-impérialiste ou sont-elles simplement une mesure populiste du gouvernement militaire ? Les présences militaires américaines et françaises (italiennes et allemandes également) avaient été justifiées par la nécessité de lutter contre l’insurrection. Mais les attaques terroristes se sont multipliées au cours de la dernière décennie. Le gouvernement se tourne désormais vers la Russie et certains partenaires comme la Turquie pour obtenir une assistance militaire.

« J’estime que notre devoir est de dire aux représentants de la France ce que veut et ce que pense l’immense majorité des populations que nous prétendons représenter. Servir la cause du plus grand nombre et non pas nous en servir comme tremplin pour assouvir des ambitions de jouissance et de puissance. Pour cela, il nous faut connaître nos problèmes par nous-mêmes et pour nous-mêmes et avoir la volonté de les résoudre par nos propres moyens d’abord, avec l’aide des autres ensuite, mais toujours en tenant compte de nos réalités africaines (…).

Pour notre part, nous l’avons dit et répété : nous avons été, nous sommes et demeurerons toujours pour et avec le «talaka» (paysan) nigérien »

Djibo Bakary

Éditorial dans le Démocrate du 4 février 1956

De nos jours, l’histoire du Sawaba est peu connue ou peu évoquée au Niger. En fait, ce n’est qu’en 1991, après la fin de la guerre froide, que la liste complète des prisonniers politiques sawabistes morts en détention dans les années 1960 et 1970 a pu être publiée. Selon Mounkaila Sanda, neveu de Djibo Bakary et futur dirigeant du Sawaba, il y a eu depuis longtemps un effort concerté pour effacer de la conscience nationale le souvenir de la lutte du Sawaba ainsi que la répression systématique de ses membres.

Comme c’était différent dans les années 1950 ! Le Sawaba, alors sous son nom d’origine Union Démocratique Nigérienne (UDN), était le principal véhicule de changement anticolonial au Niger. Son fondateur, Djibo Bakary, avait connu son premier éveil politique alors qu’il était écolier dans les rues de la capitale Niamey. Dans son autobiographie de 1992 Silence ! On décolonise, Bakary se souvient qu’il rentrait de l’école primaire en rentrant chez lui et qu’il avait croisé son père alors âgé de près de 60 ans cassant des pierres dans une équipe de réparateurs de routes enrôlés – une partie du système colonial de travail forcé (la corvée) qui restait en vigueur dans les colonies françaises jusqu’après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Le jeune Bakary était furieux contre un système qui violait les notions communautaires de respect des aînés et de l’autorité traditionnelle (son père, bien que pauvre, était un chef de village local).

Chinese defence minister holds talks with Mozambican counterpart

Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun held talks with his visiting counterpart from Mozambique Cristóvão Artur Chume in Beijing on June 27.

Minister Chume also affirmed that the friendship between the Mozambican and Chinese militaries has a long history and he thanked China for its long-term valuable support and assistance to Mozambique’s national defence.

The timing of the visit is noteworthy in that Mozambique celebrated its 49th independence anniversary on June 25. China had strongly supported the liberation struggle led by FRELIMO since the 1960s and the two countries established diplomatic relations the same day.

The following article was originally published by China Military.

BEIJING, June 27 — Chinese Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun held talks with visiting Mozambican Defense Minister Cristóvão Artur Chume in Beijing on Thursday.

Admiral Dong said that the friendship between China and Mozambique boasts a long history and is growing steadily. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Filipe Nyusi, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries has been further deepened. In recent years, exchanges between the two militaries have become increasingly close and the cooperation has yielded fruitful results. Deepening mil-to-mil cooperation between the two countries is of strategic significance to achieving common development and maintaining regional stability.

The Chinese defense minister also noted that China attaches great importance to the friendly cooperation with the Mozambican military and is willing to work with the Mozambican side to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen practical cooperation in such fields as stability maintenance and counter-terrorism, maritime security, and personnel training, and constantly push the relations between the two militaries to a new level.

Defense Minister Chume said that Mozambique firmly upholds the one-China principle and firmly supports China in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The friendship between the Mozambican and Chinese militaries has a long history. He thanked China for its long-term valuable support and assistance to the national defense construction of Mozambique. He hoped that the two sides will continue to strengthen friendly exchanges and create new highlights of cooperation.

Prior to the talks, Admiral Dong held a welcome ceremony for Defense Minister Chume and accompanied him to review the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.

Xi congratulates Ramaphosa on reelection as South African president

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to Cyril Ramaphosa on June 15, congratulating him on his reelection as President of the Republic of South Africa.

In his message, Xi noted that China and South Africa have profound political mutual trust and fruitful practical cooperation in various fields, which is a model of solidarity and cooperation among developing countries and the Global South.

The following article was first published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Cyril Ramaphosa who was reelected as president of South Africa on Friday.

Xi said that during his fourth state visit to South Africa in August last year, he and Ramaphosa reached important consensus on a wide range of issues, marking a new chapter in building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future.

Xi also said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-South Africa relations and stands ready to work with Ramaphosa to elevate the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level and jointly contribute to world peace, stability, and prosperity.