Category: Africa

Is China doing “colonialism” in Africa?

In the following Substack article, ecologist and anthropologist Jason Hickel tackles a popular trope about the People’s Republic of China: that it is engaged in colonialism in Africa. Hickel shows that such a claim is historically inaccurate, analytically sloppy, and serves to obscure the continuing reality of Western neocolonial power on the continent.

The charge of Chinese colonialism, popularised in Western political discourse and media over the last two decades, equates China’s economic engagement in Africa with Western colonialism and neocolonialism. Hickel argues convincingly that this is a politically-motivated falsehood that trivialises the extreme violence of colonial rule.

The article starts by clarifying the actual characteristics of colonial and neocolonial power: military aggression, wars of regime change, proxy wars, political destabilisation, economic coercion, sanctions, financial control, loan conditionality and structural adjustment. France’s ongoing control of the CFA franc and the US network of African bases exemplify the persistence of neocolonial dynamics following the end of the colonial era.

China, by contrast, has never invaded an African country; does not engage in destabilisation; does not orchestrate coups and assassinations, control currencies, impose sanctions or attach structural adjustment conditions to loans. Nothing in China’s behaviour remotely resembles Western imperial practices.

On the question of resource extraction in Africa, the author observes that Western firms overwhelmingly dominate African mining and fossil fuel expansion; Chinese firms control only a small share. Regarding the accusations of China setting “debt traps”, Hickel notes that only 12 precent of Africa’s external debt is owed to China, compared with several times that amount owed to Western private creditors – at significantly higher interest rates and less flexible repayment terms.

Imperial power means the US and its allies can and regularly do destroy entire states halfway across the world, violating international law with impunity. They can and do bomb any individual or movement they don’t like, anywhere on the planet, for any reason. They can and do impose crushing sanctions, killing millions of people and bending governments to their will. China simply does not project this kind of power.

Western politicians and journalists often claim that China is doing “colonialism” in Africa. This narrative has roots in US government discourse going back nearly two decades, and is exemplified by a US Congressional hearing that was held under the headline “China in Africa: The New Colonialism?” In the same year, the US business magazine Forbes claimed the purpose of China’s involvement in Africa is “to exploit the people and take their resources. It’s the same thing European colonists did… except worse.”

Certainly there are reasons to criticise the activities of Chinese firms in Africa, but to claim that China is exercising colonial power within the continent — drawing a direct equivalence to Western colonialism and imperialism — is empirically incorrect, stretches these terms into meaninglessness, and amounts to denying the violence of actually-existing colonialism.

Continue reading Is China doing “colonialism” in Africa?

South African and Swazi communists back one-China principle

The communist parties of South Africa and Swaziland have strongly condemned the US plan to sell US$ 11 billion worth of arms to the separatist authorities in Taiwan and reaffirmed their full backing for the one-China principle.

In a January 3, 2026, statement, the South African Communist Party (SACP) said that the proposed package would represent one of the largest US weapons sales to Taiwan and the most drastic US imperialistic intervention in China’s domestic political matters in recent history. It would also grossly violate the one-China policy and the three China-US joint communiques, in addition to infringing China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and underming peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

It added: “The SACP remains steadfast in its firm support of the one-China principle and China’s inalienable right to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

In a December 29, 2025, statement, the Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) noted: “To the Swazi people, the arming of the Taiwan administration represents not only interference in China’s internal affairs but also, direct reinforcement of the Mswati dictatorship. Such military supplies inevitably find their way into the hands of oppressive regimes, strengthening authoritarian rule and perpetuating human rights abuses in our country.”

It declared that the CPS “stands in firm solidarity with the Communist Party of China and the People’s Republic of China in all efforts to mobilise against this provocation.”

As indicated above, the proposed US action is of particular concern to the CPS. Swaziland is an absolute monarchy in which the CPS and other progressive and democratic forces have to struggle under condition of clandestinity and repression. It is also the only country in Africa that maintains so-called ‘diplomatic relations’ with the Taiwan authorities. [NOTE: King         Mswati III changed the name of the country to Eswatini in April 2018 but this is not recognised by the CPS and other left-wing and progressive parties.]

Accordingly, on October 23, 2025, the CPS issued a perspectives paper on the Taiwan issue. It states that, “The CPS, as a Marxist-Leninist Party, adheres to principles that emphasise the importance of national sovereignty, anti-imperialism, and the unity of socialist states. The Party views the Taiwan issue through the lens of class struggle… [and] expresses strong solidarity with the PRC [People’s Republic of China], viewing it as a leading force in the global socialist movement.” The party’s  support for the PRC’s stance on Taiwan aligns with its broader ideological commitment to socialism and the fight against imperialism. “The CPS strongly criticises any separatist movements in Taiwan, framing them as counter-revolutionary or influenced by foreign interests. We argue that such movements undermine the struggle for socialism and threaten the stability of the region.”

The perspectives note that: “By supporting the PRC’s position on Taiwan, the CPS argues that it contributes to regional stability in Southern Africa and Africa. We advocate for closer ties with other African nations that share similar views on sovereignty and territorial integrity, fostering a united front against perceived imperialist encroachments via the political base which Taiwan is establishing in Swaziland.”

The party’s advocacy for a unified stance on the Taiwan question, it argues, resonates with other political entities in Swaziland, where even ordinary people across ideological divides feel that the relationship with Taiwan, “only serves the interests of the monarchy and political elites. Setting out very well our stand on Taiwan will potentially lead to broader discussions on foreign policy and national identity for the future People’s Republic of Swaziland. This could create a political environment where socialist principles gain more traction in domestic discourse against imperialism.”

The party also highlights the economic implications of aligning with the PRC, emphasising the potential for increased and mutually beneficial investment, trade, and development collaboration with China and adds:

“The Party’s stance reflects a broader commitment to the principles of national sovereignty, anti-colonialism, and the pursuit of socialism on a global scale.”

The following articles were originally published by Solidnet and on the website of the Communist Party of Swaziland.

South African CP, SACP condemns proposed US weapons package to Taiwan, calls for respect of China’s national sovereignty

January 3 (Solidnet) – The South African Communist Party (SACP) condemns the proposed US massive arms package sale to Taiwan, valued at 11 billion dollars. If approved by the US Congress, this package would represent one of the largest US weapons packages to Taiwan and the most drastic US imperialistic intervention in China’s domestic political matters in recent history. It would also constitute one of the most aggressive actions of the US in Taiwan in violation of China’s sovereignty.

The intended arms sale would grossly violate the one-China policy and the three China-US joint communiques, in addition to infringing China’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The intended arms sale also sends an unfortunate and gravely wrong signal to “Taiwan independence” forces, wrongly interpreting a provincial, domestic internal dispute into an international question with diplomatic implications.

The SACP remains steadfast in its firm support of the one-China principle and China’s inalienable right to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the interest of international security and global stability, the SACP calls on all countries to respect the sovereignty of other states and to stand with the Chinese people in this instance where its sovereignty is being undermined by the imperialist US regime.

CPS calls for global mobilisation denouncing USA arms deal with the Taiwan region illegitimate separatists administration.

December 29 (CPS) – The Communist Party of Swaziland (CPS) strongly condemns the recent United States $11.1 billion arms package to the Taiwan
region of China. This provocative act constitutes a blatant violation of the One-China principle and undermines regional
stability and global peace.

It is common cause to believe that the USA is either effectively donating these arms to right-wing forces in Taiwan or
laying the basis for a military presence within Chinese territory. At no point can one be convinced that the bankrupt
and poorly managed separatist administration could sustain an $11.1 billion transaction. This deal will ultimately
become another costly imperialist war burden imposed on the ordinary people of the USA.

Historically, imperialist wars financed through massive US budgets have resulted in severe economic setbacks for working
people while simultaneously undermining global peace, economic stability, and universal justice.

To the Swazi people, the arming of the Taiwan administration represents not only interference in China’s internal affairs
but also direct reinforcement of the Mswati dictatorship. Such military supplies inevitably find their way into the hands
of oppressive regimes, strengthening authoritarian rule and perpetuating human rights abuses in our country.

Whether through so-called high-level diplomatic visits or direct military transfers, these criminal packages embolden
dictatorships at the expense of the people’s freedom. This mirrors US diplomatic trends toward Swaziland that have
consistently prioritised geopolitical interests over democracy and human rights.

The CPS stands in firm solidarity with the Communist Party of China and the People’s Republic of China in all efforts to
mobilise against this provocation. We call upon all progressive forces and peace-loving people worldwide to:

  • Denounce US interference in China’s internal affairs.
  • Support the One-China principle and China’s territorial integrity.
  • Recognise that attacks on China’s sovereignty strengthen dictatorships everywhere.
  • Build international solidarity against imperialist policies that arm oppressive and illegitimate regimes.

The struggle for Taiwan’s reunification with mainland China is inseparable from our own struggle for democracy in Swaziland. Imperialism abroad reinforces dictatorship at home. Only international solidarity can bring genuine liberation for all peoples.

Long live international solidarity!
Long live the People’s Republic of China!
Down with imperialism and dictatorship!

Communist Party of Swaziland’s (CPS) Perspectives on the Taiwan Question in Swaziland.

October 23 (CPS) – Overview of the Taiwan Question

The Taiwan question is a significant geopolitical issue that has persisted since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The island of Taiwan operates under its own government, known as the Republic of China (ROC), while the mainland is governed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunified with the mainland, while the separatist maintains a distinct political identity, with its own so called democratic institutions. The international community remains divided, with some countries recognizing the PRC and others maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan.

Historical Context

1. Colonial and Post-Colonial Dynamics

Taiwan’s history is marked by periods of colonial rule, first under the Dutch, then the Qing Dynasty, and later Japanese occupation. After World War II, Taiwan was placed under the control of the Nationalist government, which fled to the island following its defeat by the Communists led revolution which needed the civil war. This historical backdrop has shaped Taiwan’s identity and its complex relationship with the mainland

2. Cold War Influences

During the Cold War, Taiwan became a focal point in the struggle between communist and capitalist ideologies. The United States supported the ‘ROC’ as a counterbalance to communist expansion in Asia, leading to a complicated diplomatic landscape. The PRC, in turn, sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically, promoting the One China principle as a means to reclaim sovereignty over the island.

3. Recent Developments

In recent years, tensions have escalated as Taiwan has moved toward a more assertive identity, with increasing support for independence among some political factions. The PRC has responded with military posturing and diplomatic pressure, to resolve this complicated the situation.

Ideological Foundations of the CPS Position

1. Marxist-Leninist Principles

The CPS, as a Marxist-Leninist Party, adheres to principles that emphasize the importance of national sovereignty, anti-imperialism, and the unity of socialist states. The Party views the Taiwan issue through the lens of class struggle, asserting that any division among socialist movements weakens the global fight against capitalism.

2. Solidarity with the PRC

The CPS expresses strong solidarity with the PRC, viewing it as a leading force in the global socialist movement. Their support for the PRC’s stance on Taiwan aligns with their broader ideological commitment to socialism and the fight against imperialism.

3. Critique of Western Imperialism

The CPS frames its position on Taiwan within a broader critique of Western imperialism, arguing that support for Taiwan’s independence is part of a strategy by imperialist powers to weaken socialist states. This perspective emphasizes the need for unity among socialist and anti Imperialist countries and forces to resist external pressures.

Specific Stances and Advocacy

1. Support for the One China Policy

The CPS actively endorse the One China policy, advocating for international recognition of the PRC’s stand that Taiwan is part of China and there is one China whose only state administration is in Beijing. This stance reflects our commitment to national sovereignty and the belief that Taiwan’s status should be resolved through peaceful means, rather than through foreign interference which practically disrupts the peace process..

2. Criticism of Separatist Movements

The CPS strongly criticizes any separatist movements in Taiwan, framing them as counter-revolutionary or influenced by foreign interests. We argue that such movements undermine the struggle for socialism and threaten the stability of the region.

3. Educational and Cultural Initiatives

The CPS will engage in educational initiatives to raise awareness about the historical context of the Taiwan issue and promote narratives that align with our principled ideological stance. This will include organising seminars, producing publications, and leveraging social media to disseminate their views.

4. Diplomatic Advocacy

The CPS call upon the governments to put pressure to ISOLATE the Mswati regime which is the HARBOUR BASE of Taiwan administration in Africa. These governments must continue to of strengthen its diplomatic ties with the PRC. We will advocate for policies that align with the PRC’s interests in the region, potentially exposing the Swaziland foreign relations with other countries as hypocrite and scandalous.

5. Collaboration with Other Leftist Movements

The CPS seek alliances with other leftist parties and organizations globally and in the country that share a similar stance on the Taiwan question. This collaboration will involve joint statements, coordinated actions, and mutual support in international forums and campaigns for democracy in the country.

Broader Implications for Domestic and Foreign Policy

1. Expose tinkundla and Mswatis Disastrous Foreign Relations

The CPS’s position on the Taiwan question significantly influence the struggle for democracy in Swaziland to assume a posture of One China Policy. This shift will weaken the strong ties that exist between the Mswati dictatorship and Taiwan , particularly given the growing influence of China in Africa whose positive outlook bypasses the people of Swaziland presently.

2. Regional Stability and Cooperation

By supporting the PRC’s position on Taiwan, the CPS argues that it contributes to regional stability in Southern Africa and Africa. We advocate for closer ties with other African nations that share similar views on sovereignty and territorial integrity, fostering a united front against perceived imperialist encroachments via the political base which Taiwan is establishing in Swaziland.

3. Impact on Local Political Dynamics

The CPS’s advocacy for a unified stance on the Taiwan question resonates with other political entities in Swaziland where even ordinary people across ideological divide, feels the Taiwan/tinkundla relationships only serves the interests of the monarchy and political elites. Setting up very well our stand on Taiwan will potentially lead to broader discussions on foreign policy and national identity for the future People’s Republic of Swaziland. This could create a political environment where socialist principles gain more traction in domestic discourse against Imperialism.

4. Economic Considerations

The CPS highlight the economic implications of aligning with the PRC, emphasizing the potential for increased investment, trade, and development mutually benefiting collaboration with China. This economic dimension is our persuasive argument for supporting the PRC’s over Taiwan.

5. Human development and Governance:

While advocating for solidarity with the PRC, the CPS promotes the achievements of the PRC government on improving the lives of ordinary people, ending poverty and improve Human development index with a stable and efficient governance and production ethics and cultural practices. The Party navigates these complexities while maintaining its ideological stance, potentially exposing criticisms of the PRC as part of an imperialist narrative which only entrenches the Mswati dictatorship and Taiwan colonial hegemony in our country.

Conclusion

The Communist Party of Swaziland’s position on the Taiwan question is deeply rooted in its Marxist-Leninist ideology, emphasizing solidarity with the PRC and opposition to perceived imperialist interventions. By advocating for the One China policy and criticizing separatism, the CPS seeks to align the struggle for democracy in Swaziland to the popular anti Imperialist campaigns to influence foreign policy with its ideological commitments, which have significant implications for the future democratic Swaziland diplomatic relations and regional dynamics. The Party’s stance reflects a broader commitment to the principles of national sovereignty, anti-colonialism, and the pursuit of socialism on a global scale. As the situation evolves, the CPS will continue to navigate the complexities of international relations while promoting its ideological clarity to explain with clarity these dynamics to the majority of our population.

Wang Yi continues 36-year tradition with first visit of 2026 to Africa

For the 36th consecutive year, the Chinese Foreign Minister has begun his program of diplomatic visits for 2026 by visiting Africa.

Beginning January 7, Wang Yi visited Ethiopia (which is also the home of the African Union), followed by Tanzania and Lesotho.

On January 8, Wang and Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf jointly held the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue at the AU headquarters in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

Wang Yi said that the AU is the “locomotive” driving African unity and cooperation, playing an important and unique role in China-Africa relations. President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory messages to the AU Summits for 13 consecutive years, which fully demonstrates China’s high regard for developing relations with the AU. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, and also the 36th consecutive year for Africa to be the destination of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s first overseas trip in a new year.

Elaborating on the significance of this, Wang said that it is the inheritance of the China-Africa friendship. China-Africa friendship was forged in their arm-in-arm struggle for the cause of national independence and liberation and has matured through their respective national development and economic growth. It demonstrates the solidarity of developing countries. Both China and Africa belong to the Global South and share similar historical experiences and common aspirations. The unity and concerted efforts of more than 2.8 billion people in China and Africa will enable them to overcome any difficulties and challenges, accelerate the pace of their shared path toward modernisation, and contribute to a more equitable, cooperative, harmonious and stable world.

China is willing to leverage its own development to provide support for the vast number of developing countries, including those in Africa, to achieve modernisation together and jointly safeguard the interests of the Global South. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has played an important role in the common development of China and Africa, blazing a path of win-win cooperation between China and Africa. Both sides should continue to make good use of this platform to deepen practical cooperation.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said that China is a partner that Africa can fully trust and rely on. The fact that the Chinese foreign ministers have made Africa the destination of their first overseas visit in a new year for 36 consecutive years fully reflects China’s strategic emphasis on Africa. Africa-China friendship, based on mutual respect and a shared vision for peace and development, has become a model of cooperation in the Global South. The AU appreciates China’s long-standing partnership with Africa across various fields and its selfless support for Africa’s development. It further highly commends the fruitful outcomes of the FOCAC and the tangible benefits it has brought to the people of Africa and China.

Youssouf added that the AU congratulates China on successfully hosting the Commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. At a time when power politics and bullying are on the rise and multilateralism is under attack, Africa and China are at a critical moment to remember history, look to the future, and defend sovereignty. It is even more necessary for Africa and China to deepen their partnership.

In a Joint Press Release of the African Union-China Strategic Dialogue, both sides noted that China and the African Union, members of the Global South, share broad consensus on major international and regional issues. They underscored the importance of jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other to safeguard their respective core interests and major concerns. In this regard, they emphasised the need to further strengthen coordination and cooperation in order to inject positive momentum into global and regional peace, stability, and development.

The two sides reiterated the imperative of upholding a global order based on international law, in particular the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes and specifically expressed concerns on the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, reaffirmimg that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law must be adhered to.

Continue reading Wang Yi continues 36-year tradition with first visit of 2026 to Africa

China denounces Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

China has officially declared that it firmly opposes Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an “independent sovereign state” and its agreement to establish “diplomatic relations” with it.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced this at a regular press conference in Beijing on December 29, 2025, stating that China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and opposes any moves that undermine them.

China has noted that the federal government of Somalia immediately issued a statement firmly rejecting the move, and regional organisations including the African Union, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development have also expressed strong dissatisfaction and condemnation, Lin said.

He added that the Somaliland issue is entirely an internal affair of Somalia and should be resolved by the Somali people in a manner consistent with their national conditions and constitution. He also highlighted that countries outside the region should cease inappropriate interference and no country should incite or support separatist forces within another nation for its own selfish interests.

“We urge the Somaliland authorities to recognise the situation and immediately cease separatist activities and collusion with external forces.”

China has consistently supported Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Later, on December 29, the United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting in New York to discuss the situation at the request of Somalia, Algeria, Sierra Leone, and Guyana.

Addressing the session, Chinese Ambassador Sun Lei began by stating that China fully supported the four countries’ request, adding that Israel’s action had, “further increased the tensions in the Horn of Africa, drawing immediate and strong criticism and condemnations from regional organisations, including the AU [African Union], the Arab League, the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council], the OIC [Organisation of Islamic Cooperation], and IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development], as well as many regional countries. China also expresses grave concerns over this move and firmly opposes it.”

He went on to say that: “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is a fundamental principle of the UN Charter and an unshakable cornerstone of international law and international relations, which all UN member states must strictly observe. Somaliland is an integral part of Somali territory. China firmly supports Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and opposes any act to split its territory. China has always maintained that the Somaliland issue is entirely Somalia’s internal affair. It should be resolved by the Somali people in a way consistent with the national conditions and the constitution… We urge the Somaliland authorities to grasp the situation, immediately stop separatist activities and collusion with external forces, and return to the track of dialogue with the federal government of Somalia as soon as possible to avoid further threatening regional peace and stability and opening the door to more tensions and conflicts.”

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China celebrates 50 years of Angolan independence

China last month marked the 50th anniversary of Angolan independence (November 11th 1975), which followed a protracted armed struggle for liberation against Portuguese colonialism and the overthrow of the fascist regime in Lisbon.

On November 28, Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu attended and spoke at the reception hosted by the Angolan Embassy in Beijing.

He stated that the friendship between China and Angola has a long history and enjoys a solid foundation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, practical cooperation in various fields between China and Angola has yielded fruitful results, benefiting the peoples of both countries. China is willing to work with Angola to carry forward the traditional friendship, join hands in seeking common development, and make greater contributions to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Ambassador of Angola Dalva Maurĺcia Calombo Ringote Allen stated that Angola and China share a deep traditional friendship, and that bilateral relations are rooted in the values of friendship, peace, solidarity, respect, and mutual benefit. The Angolan side sincerely thanks the Chinese side for the valuable support it has long provided for Angola’s national independence, reconstruction and development.

Earlier, from November 10 to 11, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs Liu Yuxi visited Angola. Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço met with him, and they exchanged views on bilateral relations and issues of common concern.

Liu Yuxi handed over President Xi Jinping’s congratulatory message on the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence and stated that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the bilateral relationship between China and Angola has gained in-depth development, and mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded fruitful results.

President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço thanked President Xi Jinping for his congratulatory message, and expressed that Angola admires the historic achievements China has made under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, regards China as the most important partner for development cooperation, and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard the interests of the vast number of developing countries, including those in Africa.

During the visit, Liu Yuxi also held working exchanges with Foreign Minister Téte António and attended the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence on behalf of the Chinese side.

In all, some 45 foreign delegations, including more than a dozen heads of state or government, along with a number of former African Presidents, attended the celebrations in the capital Luanda, which included both civilian and military parades. Among them were the Presidents of Namibia, Zimbabwe, the Republic of Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cape Verde, Comoros, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), and Portugal, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the President of the Assembly of Mozambique, and the President of the Council of the Nation of Algeria. An especially warm welcome was given to Esteban Lazo Hernández, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State.

Granma, the newspaper of the PCC, reported: “Our country’s internationalist epic, especially during the heroic Operation Carlota, was an enduring page of altruism and solidarity, whose contribution was decisive in preserving and consolidating Angola’s independence and achieving that of Namibia, as well as making a significant contribution to the demise of the apartheid regime.

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Around the world, China is turning on the lights

We are pleased to republish below a chapter from the recently-released China Changes Everything volume, which has been posted as an article on Workers World. The article, written by Gregory Dunkel, highlights the stark reality that around 700 million people in Africa still lack reliable electricity – a direct legacy of colonialism and ongoing impact of imperialism. Today however, African nations are increasingly turning to low-cost Chinese solar technology to overcome this imposed underdevelopment. With solar and wind power requiring cheap, abundant inputs, Chinese renewable technology has become far more attractive than expensive, fossil-fuel-based systems promoted by the United States and its allies.

China’s state-led policies have driven massive technological advances and cost reductions in green energy in the last 15 years. “In May 2025, in a rush to take advantage of lucrative government subsidies, Chinese solar firms installed nearly a hundred gigawatts of new solar capacity domestically — more than any other country had installed in all of 2024 — and set the world record for the most solar installations in a single month.” Dunkel writes that China is on track to account for over half of all the world’s renewable energy capacity by the end of the decade, and furthermore dominates the global photovoltaic supply chain.

The author highlights the example of Chad:

Currently, only 6.4% of Chad’s population has access to electricity. The government of Chad is planning to raise its electrification rate to 30% by 2027 and to 53% by 2030 using inexpensive Chinese solar panels. It plans to build a solar park in N’Djamena, its capital, with batteries to store power for nighttime access.

Outside Africa, similar green energy transformations are happening in Cuba, where Chinese-backed solar projects could soon eliminate blackouts, and in Pakistan, where households and mosques are adopting Chinese panels at a world-leading rate.

The article concludes that China’s renewable energy leadership is now indispensable — both for global climate solutions and for helping formerly colonised nations break out of centuries of enforced poverty and backwardness.

When the sun goes down, half of the people on the African continent — about 700 million people — have to live in the dark. They don’t have reliable access to electricity and thus have limited access to modern education, economic growth or ways to improve their quality of life. Of the dozens of countries in the world where more than a third of the population still has no access to electricity, only a tiny few, such as Haiti and Papua New Guinea, are not in Africa.

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China promotes sustainability, development and fairness at Johannesburg G20 Summit

Following his visits to Russia and Zambia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in South Africa on November 20 to attend the 20th summit of the G20.

Li Qiang met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg on November 21.

Li said that China stands ready to work with South Africa to deepen political mutual trust and firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. He conveyed to Ramaphosa the cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that for decades China and South Africa have treated each other as close brothers, with a friendship that spans mountains and seas and has grown ever stronger. China is ready to continue working with South Africa to carry forward their traditional friendship, expand cooperation across various fields, so as to better promote the common development of the two countries, as well as unity and cooperation between China and Africa as a whole.

He called on the two countries to leverage their complementary advantages in resource and economic structure, deepen cooperation in mining and infrastructure construction, develop new highlights in the auto industry, explore potential in emerging sectors such as new energy and artificial intelligence, and expand cooperation in science and technology innovation, including in satellite navigation and joint laboratory construction.

He also urged China and South Africa to strengthen exchanges of experience in poverty reduction and rural revitalisation, and advance cooperation in public health, culture, education and youth, among others, so as to enhance the sense of fulfilment of their peoples.

Ramaphosa expressed appreciation for China’s support for South Africa’s economic and social development, and said South Africa stands ready to deepen cooperation with China in areas including trade, investment, mining, industry, science and technology, energy and infrastructure, public health and poverty alleviation, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples.

He noted that South Africa sincerely appreciates China’s strong support for hosting the G20 Summit, saying that China plays an important role in helping the summit build consensus and deliver outcomes. South Africa stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with China within the United Nations, the G20 and other multilateral frameworks to jointly uphold multilateralism.

Meeting South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile on November 23, Li Qiang said that China and South Africa are good friends and good brothers enjoying a deep friendship. China is ready to accelerate coordination with South Africa and help more quality and competitive South African products enter the Chinese market by negotiating and signing an agreement on economic partnership for shared development and advancing in South Africa the early implementation of China’s zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for African countries having diplomatic relations with China.

Paul Mashatile said that South Africa is willing to work with China to maintain close multilateral communication and coordination, uphold multilateralism, safeguard the authority of the United Nations, and promote the common development and prosperity of Global South countries.

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Li Qiang’s Zambia visit boosts revitalization of TAZARA railway

Following his visit to Russia, where he attended the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Chinese Premier Li Qiang paid an official visit to Zambia, November 19-20.

Arriving in the capital Lusaka, Li said that Zambia is the first country in Southern Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China, and the two countries share a profound tradition of friendship. Over the years, despite changes in the international landscape, China and Zambia have consistently respected, trusted and supported each other, jointly forging the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, including the Tanzania-Zambia Railway spirit.

He added that China stands ready to work with Zambia to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples, and advance together on the path of modernisation.

Faced with a world of intertwined changes and chaos, China is willing to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with Zambia, stand united with the broad ranks of Global South countries, safeguard the international order as well as fairness and justice, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Li Qiang held talks with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on the day after his arrival. He first conveyed the cordial greetings and best wishes of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Hichilema and said that China and Zambia are good brothers, good friends and good partners. Last year, the two countries celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and President Xi met with President Hichilema during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), drawing a new blueprint for the deepening and development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to strengthen cooperation with Zambia in areas related to people’s livelihood, such as healthcare, agriculture and human resources development, so as to enhance the two peoples’ sense of gain from bilateral cooperation, Li said, adding that the revitalisation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a shared aspiration of the peoples of China, Tanzania and Zambia, and the project is a landmark of high-quality development of Belt and Road cooperation.

At present, Li noted, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, posing serious challenges to the international system and global economy. China and Zambia should strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation, and work with the broad ranks of Global South countries to safeguard the international trade order, uphold fairness and justice, and defend their joint benefits.

President Hichilema noted that the time-honoured and ever-strengthening friendship between Zambia and China was forged by the older generations of leaders of the two countries, adding that he and President Xi have reached important consensus on deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

Continue reading Li Qiang’s Zambia visit boosts revitalization of TAZARA railway

Burkina Faso assembles electric vehicles with help from China

Since Ibrahim Traoré came to power in 2022, the West African state of Burkina Faso has embarked on a path of independent economic development and diversification, stressing self-reliance and cooperation with fellow members of the Global South, and breaking the chains of neo-colonial exploitation, perpetrated by France in particular.

In this regard, People’s Dispatch, recently published an article, translated from the original Portuguese language publication by Brasil de Fato, on Burkina Faso’s first electric vehicle assembly plant, which began production in January 2025.

The country’s first electric vehicle has been named the Itaoua. The name is a tribute to a village near Ouagadougou, the country’s capital. The horse that illustrates the logo represents strength, prestige, and longevity.

The plant’s general director Abdoulatif Rouamba explained: “Production began in January 2025. Then we started selling Itaoua electric vehicles. We began with two entry-level models, the Itaoua Sahel and the Itaoua Native. Later we received other models, such as the Itaoua Tenakuru and the Itaoua Land Elder, which is a pickup truck. Today it’s possible to drive comfortably, at a low cost, and still protect the environment for future generations. Driving an Itawa electric vehicle is a direct contribution to this preservation.”

With technical support from China, the electric vehicles are assembled in Ouaga 2000, a district located 25 km from the capital. According to Rouamba, Burkinabé engineers were trained in Chinese factories and are now applying this knowledge on African soil. He states that at the moment, the brand only handles the assembly process, but that there is a “prospect of launching our own designs in the coming years”.

The director also values the partnership with the BRICS member countries. “We are working in a business environment with countries like China and Russia, within a win-win partnership logic. It’s not a collaboration model where we are exploited. Everyone gets their share. We are also involved in a technology transfer process. That’s why our technicians were trained abroad and today apply what they learned for the benefit of Itaoua, Burkina Faso, and Africa in general.”

Under the government of President Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso launched its first brand of domestically assembled electric cars, Itaoua. The name is a tribute to a village near Ouagadougou, the country’s capital. The horse that illustrates the logo represents strength, prestige, and longevity.

To learn about the models already available and understand how Itaoua has become a symbol of the industrial and sustainable transformation the country is experiencing, Brasil de Fato visited the company’s headquarters in Ouagadougou. The concessionaire’s general director, Abdoulatif Rouamba, recalls the beginning of this journey.

“Production began in January 2025. Then we started selling Itaoua electric vehicles. We began with two entry-level models, the Itaoua Sahel and the Itaoua Native. Later we received other models, such as the Itaoua Tenakuru and the Itaoua Land Elder, which is a pickup truck,” Rouamba explains.

“Today it’s possible to drive comfortably, at a low cost, and still protect the environment for future generations. Driving an Itawa electric vehicle is a direct contribution to this preservation,” he adds.

Continue reading Burkina Faso assembles electric vehicles with help from China

How China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression inspired Africa

We are pleased to republish below two items from the Xinhua News Agency exploring the connections between China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the African liberation struggles of the second half of the 20th century.

Harare-based political commentator Dereck Goto notes that for Zimbabweans, the history of the Global Anti-Fascist War “resonates with our own odyssey from colonial subjugation to independence, from marginalisation to self-assertion”.

The article recalls some important and little-known wartime encounters: “Connections to Africa during the war were real. In 1942, Chinese troops in Myanmar carried out the daring rescue at Yenangyaung, freeing thousands of encircled Allied soldiers. Among accounts from that period are memories of Africans serving in British colonial formations who encountered Chinese troops. One such story, passed down in veterans’ circles, tells of a Rhodesian soldier – Sergeant James Moyo – who wrote that Chinese troops who saved him and his comrades were brothers in the fight for freedom. The story captures the essence of solidarity: strangers recognising in each other a shared destiny of resistance. That spirit prefigured the later bonds between China and Africa in liberation struggles.”

Goto observes that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presence in Beijing at the parade marking the 80th anniversary of China’s victory, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, underscores a friendship rooted not in convenience but in shared sacrifice.

The article goes on to describe various ways in which China is contributing to Zimbabwe’s ongoing development process.

The Kariba South hydropower station expansion, the Hwange Thermal Power Station Unit 7 and Unit 8 project, the new Parliament Building in Mount Hampden, and Zimbabwe’s 5G rollout through Huawei all carry Chinese fingerprints. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when vaccine nationalism exposed the fragility of global solidarity, it was Chinese vaccines that reached our shores in time. These acts are not transactional; they flow from a philosophy forged in struggle — that security and prosperity must be collective, not individual.

Manuel Pinto da Costa, former president of Sao Tome and Principe, said in an interview with Xinhua that “China’s victory in the war not only profoundly changed the international landscape, but also forged deep bonds of friendship between Africa and China along the path of pursuing independence and national development”.

He added that the rise of emerging forces such as the BRICS countries has created new opportunities for Global South countries to pursue equality and development, and that China’s engagement with Africa is fundamentally different to that historically pursued by the West.

China’s model of cooperation with African countries is fundamentally different from the approaches we experienced in the past. China has demonstrated a path of equality and mutual benefit.

He concludes that “by working hand in hand under the new international landscape, China, Africa and the wider developing world will open up broader opportunities for peace and development”.

To remember history is to carry its torch forward

Sept. 14 (Xinhua) – Eighty years ago, the Chinese people stood battered but unbroken after a 14-year struggle against brutal aggression. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, China suffered over 35 million casualties and saw its cities and villages devastated. Yet from those ashes emerged not only a military victory, but a moral triumph. It was China’s declaration that sovereignty could be reclaimed and that a united people could defeat an enemy that appeared indomitable.

For Zimbabwe, this anniversary is not a distant page in another nation’s story — it is a mirror. China’s path resonates with our own odyssey from colonial subjugation to independence, from marginalisation to self-assertion.

Continue reading How China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression inspired Africa

Xi Jinping meets the leaders of Zimbabwe, Slovakia, Congo, Serbia and Indonesia

Chinese President Xi Jinping held a series of meetings on September 4 with national leaders who had come to Beijing to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

In the morning Xi Jinping met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Zimbabwe all-weather community with a shared future.

President Xi noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe, and the two countries’ “five-star ironclad” friendship has steadily deepened, setting an example for solidarity and coordination between China and Africa, and for the Global South. China will continue to firmly support Zimbabwe in independently pursuing a development path suited to its conditions, oppose external interference and illegal sanctions, and safeguard the shared interests of both countries and the broader Global South.

President Xi emphasised that the two sides should seize the opportunity presented by the elevation of bilateral relations to develop innovative approaches to cooperation and broaden cooperation in infrastructure, mining, investment, trade, and so on, thereby raising the quality and upgrading the substance of cooperation between the two countries. China stands ready to work with Zimbabwe to advance the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and support Zimbabwe’s economic and social development.

President Mnangagwa said that he is delighted to attend the historic commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. The international community must never forget China’s important contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and must uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII. After 45 years of development, Zimbabwe-China relations have become increasingly mature and resilient. Zimbabwe looks forward to jointly building an all-weather community with a shared future with China and will unwaveringly adhere to the one-China principle, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, and work for greater development of the bilateral relationship, bringing greater benefits to the people of the two countries.

At noon Xi met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The Chinese President noted that both China and Slovakia had made tremendous national sacrifices and significant historical contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. At a time when the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, the international community needs solidarity and cooperation more than ever. Both sides should uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, practice true multilateralism, work for the reform and improvement of the global governance system and make greater contributions to world peace and development.

President Xi emphasised that China highly appreciates Slovakia’s commitment to friendly relations with China and is ready to work with Slovakia to maintain close high-level exchanges, firmly support each other’s chosen development path, strengthen experience sharing on governance, and continuously deepen mutual political trust. President Xi expressed his hope for Slovakia to continue playing a positive role in promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.

Prime Minister Fico said that China made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and to upholding world peace. The successful commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression sends a strong message to the world that justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail, and this is truly impressive. He said it is an honour to be invited to China to witness this grand event in person.

Slovakia was the only member state of NATO and the EU to be represented at the commemoration at head of government level, although Hungary and Bulgaria also sent senior representatives.

In the afternoon, Xi met with President of the Republic of the Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a high-level community with a shared future between China and the Republic of the Congo.

President Xi noted that the relationship between China and the Republic of the Congo exemplifies China-Africa friendship. The Republic of the Congo is the first country to reach an early harvest arrangement with China under the agreement on economic partnership for shared development and will soon benefit from China’s zero-tariff treatment, opening a new chapter in bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

President Xi noted that since assuming the role of African co-chair of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Republic of the Congo has been working actively together with China to promote the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit and has achieved commendable results. China stands ready to work with African countries to effectively carry out the ten partnership actions and foster new growth drivers in green industries, e-commerce and digital payments, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, taking China-Africa cooperation to even greater heights. In the current international environment of transformation and turbulence, China and Africa, as important members of the Global South, must shoulder the historic responsibility of upholding international fairness and justice, safeguarding world peace, and promoting common development, and work hand in hand to build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Continue reading Xi Jinping meets the leaders of Zimbabwe, Slovakia, Congo, Serbia and Indonesia

Chinese Ambassador reaffirms special relationship with Tanzania

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian has strongly reaffirmed the historic friendship between the two countries.

Addressing a late July reception celebrating the 98th anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) she stated:

“I would like to avail this opportunity to honour the deep, broad and robust relations between China and Tanzania. China has always regarded Tanzania as our best friend and placed the development of friendly relations with Tanzania in an important position in our foreign relations. China-Tanzania traditional friendship is forged by our older generation of leaders of the two countries, including Chairman Mao Zedong and President Julius Nyerere. From the struggles for national liberation, to the pursuit of national rejuvenation, and to the march towards modernisation, we have always stood together through thick and thin, and supported each other, thus tightening our bilateral bond stronger and stronger and pushing our bilateral relations higher and higher.”

She also said: “This celebration is a venue to review the history of the Chinese PLA, which was created by the Communist Party of China on 1st August 1927. During the past 98 years, the Chinese PLA has made indelible achievements in realising national independence, liberating the Chinese people, and making China prosperous and strong. In recent years, China’s PLA has been steadfast on the way to realise the centenary goal in 2027. It has intensified troop training and enhanced combat preparedness across the board, accelerated the transformation and upgrading of military training, strengthened new-domain forces with new combat capabilities, and enhanced the ability to win informatised and intelligent warfare.”

The previous week, in an interview with Tanzania’s Guardian newspaper, Ambassador Chen said: “The recent development of China-Tanzania relations comes from our common past. The special relationship can date back to the leadership of the founding fathers of our two nations. We will never forget how Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai and Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere, and Vice President Abeid Karume nurtured our unbreakable traditional friendship with sincerity and good faith in the old days. From then on, China and Tanzania share a long-standing strong relationship built on mutual respect and mutual trust. No matter how the international situation changes, no matter what challenges we face, and no matter what kind of disturbance and disruption we encounter, the traditional friendship between China and Tanzania has withstood the test of time and is getting stronger with time.”

She also recalled that President Xi Jinping visited Tanzania right after assuming office (along with Russia, the Republic of Congo and South Africa).

The Guardian also posted the video of the interview and reported the reception for the PLA anniversary.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania and are reprinted here from that of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Speech of Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian at the Reception in Celebration of the 98th Anniversary of Chinese PLA

July 25 (MFA) – Honorable Lieutenant General Salum Haji Othman, Chief of Staff, Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces,
Honorable Rear Admiral Hassan, Tanzania Navy Commander,
Honorable Major General Kodi, Chief of Logistics and Engineering, TPDF,
Honorable Major General Ibuge, Commandant of Tanzania National Defence College,
Excellencies,
My Fellow Chinese Nationals,
Dear Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening! Habari za jioni!

Continue reading Chinese Ambassador reaffirms special relationship with Tanzania

Liu Jianchao visits Algeria

Following his recent visit to South Africa, where he attended the Liberation Movements Summit, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the Communist Party of China’s International Department (IDCPC), paid a visit to Algeria.

On July 28, he met with Abdelkrim Benmebarek, Secretary-General of the National Liberation Front (FLN) of Algeria.

Liu said, for a long time, China and Algeria have always stood firmly together in their respective struggles for national liberation and development. Seventy years ago, China and Algeria jointly promoted the formation of the Bandung spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation. The current global governance system is characterised by imbalance and disorder, with rising isolationism and neocolonialism, posing severe challenges to the development of the Global South countries. China is willing to work with Algeria to inherit and carry forward the Bandung spirit, enhance communication and coordination on international and regional issues, promote solidarity and cooperation among the Global South countries, and jointly address global challenges.

He added that the CPC and the FLN share similar ideas and have similar experiences in the struggle. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state through inter-party channels, further enhance the level of cooperation between the two parties, increase political mutual trust and mutual understanding, and be fellow companions sharing the same ideals; strengthen political dialogue, deepen cooperation in areas such as party building and cadre training, and serve the cause of the two parties; promote exchanges and practical cooperation in various fields such as social organisations, media, think tanks and localities through the “political party +” platform, and promote greater development of China-Algeria relations.

Benmebarek said, the friendship between Algeria and China is close and solid and has been tested over time. The FLN and the CPC share similar views on many issues and have a common vision for maintaining international fairness and justice, which stems from our joint struggle for national liberation. The FLN values the brotherly friendship with the CPC and hopes to work with the CPC to keep pace with the times, comprehensively plan cooperation, and enhance personnel exchanges and ideological exchanges.

The next day, Liu met with Mustapha Haidaoui, President of the Supreme Youth Council and Minister of Youth of Algeria.

He said that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The successful practice of Chinese modernisation demonstrates that modernisation is not the same as Westernisation, and that there are diverse paths to modernisation. China is willing to work with Algeria to uphold independence and self-reliance, pursue development paths that suit respective national conditions, and advance progress in modernisation progress. China, Algeria, and other developing countries should strengthen solidarity and cooperation to safeguard the common interests of the Global South countries and promote a more just and equitable international order.

Liu noted that young people are the future and the hope of the country. The CPC has always attached great importance to youth work. General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly encouraged young Chinese people to carry forward the spirit of struggle and contribute their strength to Chinese modernisation in the new era. The CPC is willing to work with the Supreme Youth Council of Algeria to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state on the China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership, intensify exchanges and cooperation between young politicians, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, strengthen mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, and strengthen strategic coordination in politics, economy, science and technology, so that the younger generations of the two countries can take up the baton of the traditional China-Algeria friendship.

Haidaoui stated that the friendship between Algeria and China is unbreakable, and China is a strategic partner of Algeria. The aim of establishing the Supreme Youth Council is to empower young people, expand their participation in the country’s political, economic, cultural, and social life, carry forward the revolutionary legacy, and contribute to national development. The Supreme Youth Council has benefited greatly from the exchanges with the CPC and looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy, and the international field, carrying forward the revolutionary friendship between Algeria and China, creating more positive conditions for all-round cooperation between the two countries, and helping build a better multipolar world.

On July 29, Liu visited the Tipaza Provincial Party headquarters of the FLN He said, the CPC is ready to carry forward the revolutionary friendship with the National Liberation Front, deepen exchanges of experience in grassroots party building, and empower both parties to lead their respective countries towards better development.

That day, he also met with two other Algerian political parties.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao visits Algeria

Communist Party of China joins Liberation Movements Summit in South Africa

The Communist Party of China (CPC) joined the Liberation Movements Summit that was hosted by the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa in Johannesburg, between July 25-28, under the theme, ‘Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa.’

Besides the ANC, the core participants were the five other main liberation movements in the region – the Popular Liberation Movement of Angola (MPLA), the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) of Namibia, the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Revolutionary Party of Tanzania – CCM).

In a statement, the ANC said: “This critical gathering reaffirms the ideological foundations of the six Southern African liberation movements… and their historical role in securing independence, dignity and development across the region. It also seeks to reassert the relevance of these movements in a rapidly shifting global order.

“Southern Africa’s liberation movements transformed the region’s political landscape, resisting colonial rule and apartheid, and ushering in people-centred governance. Since independence, these movements have implemented landmark policies on land reform, education, housing, infrastructure and social protection.

“However, these gains now face erosion due to renewed imperial pressures, economic crises, and attempts at neo-colonial interference. The Summit provides a united platform to confront these threats and consolidate progressive regional responses grounded in Pan-Africanism, internationalism and multilateralism.

“The Summit is a strategic intervention in organisational renewal, deepening intra-party solidarity, and realignment of liberation movements with the socio-economic aspirations of a new generation. The ANC believes that the political, economic and cultural survival of Southern Africa’s liberation legacy demands honest introspection, shared learning and actionable unity.

“The Summit will advance frameworks for inter-party collaboration, regional integration, youth engagement, and sovereign resource governance. Through reaffirming shared values and strengthening alliances, the 2025 Liberation Movements Summit will chart a path forward, one that protects the gains of the past while building a just, inclusive and self-determined African future.”

Further details of the conference perspectives may be read here.

Besides these six movements, the POLISARIO Front of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the Palestinian National Liberation Movement Fatah were also represented at a senior level, along with the South African Communist Party (SACP), Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) of Azania, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO).

The Communist Party of China was represented by Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Party Central Committee (IDCPC).

Among other parties represented were United Russia, the Communist Party of Cuba, the National Liberation Front (FLN) of Algeria, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) of Nicaragua, the Botswana National Front (BNF – the main component of the progressive ruling Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition), and the Botswana Democratic Party, while messages of greetings included that from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation.

In his keynote address, Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the ANC and of the Republic of South Africa, said:

Continue reading Communist Party of China joins Liberation Movements Summit in South Africa

Deputy President’s visit strengthens ties with South Africa

South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile recently visited China to attend the Third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE).

On July 17, he met in Beijing with his Chinese counterpart, Vice President Han Zheng.

Han said that in September last year, China and South Africa upgraded their bilateral relationship to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Han said this opened a new chapter in building a high-level community with a shared future between the two countries. He called on the two sides to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and to constantly deepen political mutual trust.

On the same day, Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), also met with Mashatile in his dual capacity of Deputy President of both the Republic of South Africa and of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa. 

Liu said, under the leadership and personal promotion of President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa, China-South Africa relations have entered a golden era. China is willing to work with South Africa to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and enhance friendly exchanges between the two peoples.

He added that the relationship between the two parties is an important foundation for the development of China-South Africa relations. The CPC and the ANC have maintained close communication and dialogue for a long time. The two parties understand and trust each other sincerely and have formed brotherly sentiments. The CPC will continue to stand firmly with the ANC, strengthen strategic communication and political dialogue between the two parties, deepen mutual learning in party building and state governance, and enhance collaboration on international and regional issues to jointly address common challenges.

Mashatile said that more Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in South Africa. At present, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. South Africa is willing to closely cooperate with China within the framework of multilateral mechanisms such as the BRICS, the United Nations and the G20 to practice true multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. The ANC values its friendship with the CPC and hopes to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two parties in areas such as party school building and cadre training to promote even better relations between them.

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and on the website of the IDCPC.

Chinese vice president meets South Africa’s deputy president

BEIJING, July 17 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng on Thursday met with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Beijing.

In September last year, China and South Africa upgraded the bilateral relationship to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. Han said this opened a new chapter in building a high-level community with a shared future between the two countries.

He called on the two sides to further implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, constantly deepen political mutual trust, advance the high-quality development of bilateral cooperation, and serve the modernization endeavors of both countries.

Continue reading Deputy President’s visit strengthens ties with South Africa

Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), met with visiting former heads of state from Indonesia and Namibia on July 9 and 11 respectively.

On July 9, he met with Megawati Sukarnoputri, Head of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and former Indonesian President, who is also a daughter of Indonesia’s founding president Sukarno.

Liu said, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Indonesia. “Your father, President Sukarno, and the older generation of Chinese leaders were the founders of the friendly relations between China and Indonesia. You are also a witness and promoter of the deep friendship between China and Indonesia. We are here today to warmly welcome you and express our respect for the historic contributions made by you and President Sukarno to the development of China-Indonesia relations. The Bandung Conference successfully held under the promotion of the older generation of leaders of the two countries opened a new chapter of unity and cooperation among China, Indonesia and other developing countries.”

He added that the CPC and the PDI-P share similar development concepts and common goals. In today’s world fraught with turmoil and changes, profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating. The CPC is willing to establish a political dialogue mechanism with the PDI-P, deepen exchanges of experience in party building and state governance, explore ways to promote the development of their respective countries and improve global governance, jointly maintain peace and stability in Asia, promote regional development and prosperity, and expand the international voice of developing countries.

Megawati fondly recalled the friendly exchanges between her father, President Sukarno, and China, as well as her own friendly exchanges with the country, saying that every time she comes to China, it feels like coming to a “second home”. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Indonesia is willing to work with China to vigorously carry forward the Bandung Spirit, promote unity and cooperation among developing countries, and jointly address global risks and challenges such as financial stability, climate change, and food security. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s “two centenary goals” led China to the historic achievement of eradicating absolute poverty, effectively safeguarding and improving people’s livelihoods. The PDI-P values the deep friendship with the CPC and is willing to deepen exchanges between the two parties, learn from the CPC’s experiences in medium- and long-term national planning, rural revitalisation, youth development, and addressing population aging, and promote practical cooperation in relevant fields between the two countries to better benefit the two peoples.

On July 11, Liu met with Nangolo Mbumba, former President of Namibia.

Liu highly spoke of Mbumba’s long-term contributions to the development of China-Namibia and China-Africa relations. China-Africa unity represents the strengthening of the Global South and the forces of justice. China is willing to work with Namibia and other Global South countries to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote people-to-people friendship, advance mutual learning among civilisations, enhance multilateral coordination, firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, safeguard each other’s legitimate rights and interests, and inject more positive energy into building a community with a shared future for humanity. The CPC and the SWAPO party of Namibia share similar political ideas and similar struggles, and both have contributed to the cause of human peace and development through their own practices.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao meets old friends from Indonesia and Namibia

Ties with Bolivia and Ghana reaffirmed

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bolivian President Luis Arce exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations on July 9.

Noting that China and Bolivia are good friends and good brothers, Xi said that the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, adding that the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and the friendship has taken deeper roots in the hearts of the two peoples.

For his part, Arce said that the Bolivian side highly commends China’s support and assistance in areas such as infrastructure, technology, energy and healthcare, and applauds China’s leadership in uniting the Global South, promoting China-Latin America cooperation and working toward a more just, equitable and inclusive international order.

Earlier, on July 5, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged congratulations with his Ghanaian counterpart, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Wang noted that Ghana is one of the first Sub-Saharan African countries to establish diplomatic ties with China.

For his part, Ablakwa expressed his gratitude to China for its long-term valuable support and assistance to Ghana’s socio-economic development. The Ghanaian side looks forward to working with China to push for the continuous development of the Ghana-China strategic partnership.

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

Xi, Bolivian president exchange congratulations on 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties

BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bolivian President Luis Arce exchanged congratulations on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations on Wednesday.

Noting that China and Bolivia are good friends and good brothers, Xi said that over the 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-Bolivia relations have withstood the test of changing international circumstances and have always maintained a sound momentum for growth.

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Liberation movement ties recalled and carried forward

China’s diplomatic missions in South Africa and Tanzania have recently highlighted the historical legacy and continued relevance of the bonds of solidarity forged during the struggle for national liberation.

On 17 June, Pan Qingjiang, China’s Consul General in Johannesburg, published an article entitled “Driving Education Culture, Fostering Youth Friendship Between China and South Africa” in various major South African media outlets.

According to an article published by the South African Government News Agency: “In South Africa, Youth Month is celebrated every June following a declaration by our first democratic President, Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. It is a time when we collectively honour the pivotal role that young people played in the struggle against Apartheid and the historic Soweto Uprising of 1976. Every 16 June, as we mark National Youth Day, we not only remember the sacrifices and courage of those young people, but we also renew our commitment to equipping today’s youth for a vibrant future.”

Pan writes: “On the occasion of South Africa’s Youth Month, I wish to extend my sincere festive greetings to all our young friends. The youth are the future of nations and the future of China-South Africa friendship as well… Our nations, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, enjoy traditional friendship characterised by a strong ‘comradeship plus brotherhood’ bond…. The shared history and common future between China and South Africa are the solid foundation and driving force for the friendship among our youths.

“In June last year, the Consulate General of China in Johannesburg organised a themed short video competition for secondary school learners, encouraging the youth to reflect on both South Africa’s 1976 Soweto Uprising and China’s May Fourth Movement. More than one hundred participants from over twenty schools in Gauteng and the Free State submitted their creative entries in a variety of creative forms, including drama, speech, song, and dance, which vividly portrayed the heroic struggles of both countries against colonial oppression.

“Together, we paid tribute to, learned, and gained strength from the shared legacy of Chinese and South African youth in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and progress.”

The 1976 Soweto Uprising, led by the township youth, spread like a prairie fire across South Africa. Its brutal repression led thousands of young people to leave home and join the ranks of the African National Congress (ANC) and the other liberation movements waging armed struggle against the apartheid regime. It is considered a key turning point in the fight for a free South Africa.

China’s May Fourth Movement, a student-led anti-imperialist uprising, was sparked by the capitulation of the Chinese government to the humiliating terms imposed by the imperialist powers meeting at the 1919 Versailles peace conference. Together with the influence of the October Revolution in Russia, it played a major role in preparing for the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) two years later. Key founders of the CPC, Li Dazhao and Chen Duxiu were central leaders of the May Fourth Movement.

After detailing a number of current educational and cultural exchanges between South Africa and China, Pan’s article concludes:

“Like the rising sun, the youth brings brilliant prospects. China and South Africa are bound together by shared history, common developmental tasks and strategic interests. The youth serves as the vanguard in building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future and advancing our all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.”

Earlier, on May 28, China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian visited the African Liberation Movement Freedom Fighters Kongwa Camp, together with officials from the Tanzanian government and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Revolutionary Party of Tanzania).

The two sides reflected on China’s contributions to Tanzania’s independence and the national liberation of southern Africa, and agreed to strengthen historical sites protection and inheritance, and to promote inter-party and sub-national cooperation between the two countries.

District Council Chairman White Zuberi, who witnessed the national liberation movement, showed Ambassador Chen around the camp and, together with her, recalled the glorious history of mutual support between China and Africa. The camp was built in 1964 and both Mozambique’s founding President Samora Machel and Namibia’s founding President Sam Nujoma were trained there.

The following articles were originally published on the websites of the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg and the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania. They are reproduced here from that of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese Consul General in Johannesburg Pan Qingjiang Publishes Signed Article Titled Driving Education Culture, Fostering Youth Friendship Between China and South Africa

June 17 (MFA) — On 17 June, Consul General Pan Qingjiang published a signed article entitled “Driving Education Culture,Fostering Youth Friendship Between China and South Africa” in the mainstream media of South Africa, including the Star, the Mercury, the Cape Times and the IOL website. Full text below:

On the occasion of South Africa’s Youth Month, I wish to extend my sincere festive greetings to all our young friends. The youth are the future of nations and the future of China-South Africa friendship as well. I have been deeply impressed by the confidence, optimism, and ingenuity of the young South African people.

Our nations, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa, enjoy traditional friendship characterized by a strong “comradeship plus brotherhood” bond.

Continue reading Liberation movement ties recalled and carried forward

China and Senegal reaffirm solidarity

Prime Minister of Senegal Ousmane Sonko met separately in Beijing on June 27 with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. Sonko was visiting China to attend the 2025 ‘Summer Davos’ in Tianjin.

Xi said that last September, he co-chaired the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, together with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, leading China-Africa relations into a new phase of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Noting that China and Senegal are companions on the path to development and revitalisation as well as good brothers, he added that China is willing to work with Senegal to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and inject fresh impetus into China-Africa friendship and Global South cooperation. China and Senegal should firmly support each other in pursuing independent development paths and enhance exchanges among the two countries’ political parties. China stands ready to work closely with Senegal to advance the 10 China-Africa partnership actions for jointly advancing modernisation and implement more projects for people’s well-being.

Sonko conveyed President Faye’s sincere greetings to Xi. He said China is a reliable partner for Senegal, and the bilateral ties have featured mutual respect, mutual support, resilience and stability, with sound progress made in various fields of cooperation. Noting that the two countries, both as members of the Global South, share common values and aspirations, Sonko said Senegal is willing to closely coordinate with China in international and regional affairs, steadfastly act as China’s strategic partner to jointly promote international fairness and justice, and uphold the common interests of the Global South.

Li Qiang said that over the years, China and Senegal have respected each other, treated each other as equals, and carried out mutually beneficial cooperation in a sincere and friendly manner, achieving fruitful results. China encourages Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Senegal and welcomes Senegalese enterprises making good use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo to enhance the promotion of their products in the Chinese market.

Sonko said Senegal admires the tremendous achievements made in China’s economic and social development and sincerely appreciates China for the vigorous assistance it has provided to Senegal over a long period of time. Senegal is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, promote cooperation on economy and trade, energy and mineral resources, finance, and agriculture under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepen people-to-people exchanges.

Sonko, who is also the Leader of PASTEF, the progressive ruling party in Senegal, also met with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), at the former’s request.

Sonko said that Senegal and China enjoy a profound friendship, and China has always treated Senegal with equality and respect. The PASTEF administration looks forward to strengthening exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields such as politics, economy and society. PASTEF has gained a lot of inspiration from the endeavour of the CPC, and looks forward to cooperating with China in institutionalised inter-party exchanges, cadre training and youth exchanges, learning from the successful experience of the CPC in party building and state governance, and improving its own governing capacity.

Liu noted that the CPC and the PASTEF party share similar ideas and missions. China is willing to work with Senegal to intensify exchanges between the ruling parties, strengthen political dialogue and strategic integration, deepen mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, expand exchanges in cadre training, exchanges at local level, and exchanges between youth and women’s organisations, as well as advance practical cooperation in various fields.

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Algerian veterans recall Chinese support to liberation struggle

The Xinhua News Agency recently carried interviews with two veterans of the Algerian liberation struggle regarding the support and training they received from China.

The article states: “In the heat of the Algerian War of Independence in the 1950s, when colonial repression was at its peak and international support was scarce, a distant nation opened its arms to a group of determined young Algerians, training them as soldiers in their quest for national independence. And that nation was the newly founded People’s Republic of China.”

It notes that, after officially recognizing the Provisional Government of the Algerian Republic in September 1958, China hosted 27 Algerian trainees for comprehensive aviation training between 1959 and 1961. More than six decades later, the memories of this experience, which exemplify the long-standing friendship between China and Algeria, remain vivid in the hearts of the veterans.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Boudaoud Lounes and Colonel Drid Ahmed Lakhdar, two of the Algerian airmen who trained in China, shared their story of sacrifice, solidarity, and a bond that has endured across generations.

Lounes, a former bomber pilot, was among the very first Algerian airmen trained in China during the height of the War of Independence. “We first received basic training in Syria, at the Aleppo military school,” Lounes recalled. “But for our specialization, only one country answered our call: China.” Arriving in China: “We saw immediately the parallels between the Chinese people’s struggles and those of our own people. What touched us most wasn’t just the military knowledge. It was the way they believed in us. We were treated with respect, as equals. In China, we felt like brothers.”

Lakhdar joined the second batch of Algerian air trainees sent to China in 1959. He said: “The Chinese know what it means to be colonized. Their commitment came from their own experience.”

His words echo those of the African-American scholar and revolutionary Dr. WEB Du Bois, speaking in Beijing in 1959 on his 91st birthday:

“China is flesh of your flesh, and blood of your blood. China is colored and knows to what a colored skin in this modern world subjects its owner. But China knows more, much more than this: she knows what to do about it.”

More than 60 years later, Lakhdar recalls when the time came to leave China:

“When we completed our training and went to thank the Chinese Defense Ministry, they told us, ‘no, we must thank you. You opened a front in Africa and freed us from encirclement.’ I will never forget that moment, as it showed how our struggle was part of something bigger. The sense of duty, humility, and collective spirit I learned in China stayed with me for life. I tried to pass it on to younger generations.”

Continue reading Algerian veterans recall Chinese support to liberation struggle