Category: Africa

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.

Continue reading Ties with Bolivia and Ghana reaffirmed

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.

Continue reading China and Senegal reaffirm solidarity

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

China and Mozambique celebrate 50th anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged messages with his Mozambican counterpart Daniel Francisco Chapo on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. On June 25, 1975, Mozambique declared its independence after years of hard-fought people’s war against Portuguese colonial rule. China consistently and strongly supported the armed struggle waged by the FRELIMO liberation movement – which remains Mozambique’s ruling party – and the two countries established diplomatic relations on independence day.

Xi Jinping noted that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China and Mozambique have trusted and supported each other, and the friendship between the two countries remains rock-solid. Xi expressed his firm belief that bilateral relations will surely usher in a brighter future as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and move forward hand in hand.

Daniel Francisco Chapo stated that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries coincides with the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, which highlights the traditional friendship and brotherhood between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for China’s unconditional support in Mozambique’s struggle for independence.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also exchanged messages with his counterpart Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas.

He said that over the past five decades, the two countries have upheld mutual respect and trust, consistently supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. Noting that bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy and resources has yielded fruitful results, Wang said the two countries have also maintained close coordination on international affairs, jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice.

Lucas said that over the past 50 years, the traditional friendship between Mozambique and China has grown stronger, and the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership based on sincerity, equality, mutual respect and trust. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, Mozambique will always consider China a brother and friend.

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

Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Mozambique Diplomatic Relations

June 25 (MFA) — On June 25, 2025, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Mozambique diplomatic relations.

Xi Jinping noted that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China and Mozambique have trusted and supported each other, and the friendship between the two countries remains rock-solid. Xi Jinping expressed his firm belief that bilateral relations will surely usher in a brighter future as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and move forward hand in hand. Xi Jinping said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Mozambique relations and is ready to work with Mr. President Daniel Francisco Chapo to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation within the frameworks of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and jointly write a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Mozambique.

Daniel Francisco Chapo stated that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries coincides with the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, which highlights the traditional friendship and brotherhood between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for China’s unconditional support in Mozambique’s struggle for independence. Mozambique will continue to abide by the one-China principle, support all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and back the major initiatives proposed by China. Mozambique is willing to continuously deepen bilateral relations with China on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, expand practical cooperation, jointly defend multilateralism, and promote world peace, security and prosperity.

Chinese FM exchanges congratulations on 50th anniversary of ties with Mozambican counterpart

BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged congratulations on Wednesday with Mozambican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Mozambique share a traditional friendship.

Over the past five decades, the two countries have upheld mutual respect and trust, consistently supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, he said.

Noting that bilateral cooperation in areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy and resources has yielded fruitful results, Wang said the two countries have also maintained close coordination on international affairs, jointly safeguarding international fairness and justice.

He added that standing at a new historical starting point, he is ready to work with Lucas to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state, reinforce mutual support, deepen win-win cooperation, and work for more outcomes while advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Mozambique.

For her part, Lucas said that over the past 50 years, the traditional friendship between Mozambique and China has grown stronger, and the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership based on sincerity, equality, mutual respect and trust.

Regardless of changes in the international landscape, Mozambique will always consider China a brother and friend, the minister said.

She reaffirmed Mozambique’s firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed willingness to learn from China’s experience in sustainable development.

Lucas also called for deeper cooperation across various sectors, closer coordination on regional and global issues, and joint efforts to defend multilateralism and promote world peace and security.

Liu Jianchao meets ministers from Mozambique and Botswana

Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (IDCPC), met on June 13 with Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Mozambique, and Phenyo Butale, member of the National Executive Committee of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and Minister of International Relations of Botswana.

Both ministers had been in China to attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, held in Changsha.

Meeting with dos Santos Lucas, Liu said that China and Mozambique are true friends and brothers who have supported and stood alongside each other in trying times. China appreciates Mozambique’s long-term strong support for China on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns and will continue to firmly support Mozambique in following a development path that suits its national conditions. China is willing to work with Mozambique, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and better benefit the people of the two countries.

He noted that the CPC and the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) have a long-standing friendship which is the political foundation and unique advantage of China-Mozambique relations. The CPC is willing to work with the FRELIMO to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two Parties, strengthen high-level exchanges and political dialogues, engage in in-depth exchanges of experience in party building and poverty alleviation, expand youth exchanges, enhance cooperation in areas such as cadre training, promote practical cooperation in various fields through inter-party channels, and further promote the development of China-Mozambique and China-Africa relations.

Lucas said that China is Mozambique’s most important friend outside Africa. Mozambique is grateful to China for always lending a helping hand to Mozambique in times of difficulties. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mozambique and China, but the relationship between FRELIMO and the CPC dates back even further. FRELIMO cherishes its friendly relations with the CPC and is willing to reinforce exchanges at all levels with it and deepen exchanges of experience in party building and state governance. Mozambique appreciates China’s position on the tariff war. China’s approach has inspired many countries, including Mozambique.

Meeting with Phenyo Butale, Liu said, since China and Botswana established diplomatic relations 50 years ago, bilateral relations have always maintained a sound momentum of development, despite the changes in the international landscape. Last year, the two heads of state upgraded China-Botswana relations to a strategic partnership, charting the course for the future development of bilateral relations. China is willing to work with Botswana to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, continue to firmly support each other on issues involving respective core interests and major concerns, strengthen the docking of development strategies, and promote cooperation in economy, trade, infrastructure, and culture under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the FOCAC, so as to promote greater development of China-Botswana and China-Africa relations.

The CPC is willing to, together with the UDC, strengthen political dialogue, enhance mutual learning of experience in party building and state governance, strengthen exchanges in cadre training, and promote practical cooperation in various fields through the “political party +” channel. The world today is fraught with turbulence. Unilateralism, protectionism, and power bullying have severely impacted the international order. Global South countries, including China and Botswana, should strengthen solidarity and coordination, and work together to meet common challenges.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao meets ministers from Mozambique and Botswana

Wang Yi meets leading politicians from Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique and other countries

On June 12, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a series of bilateral meetings, for the third consecutive day, with leading politicians from a number of African countries who were in Changsha, Hunan to attend the  Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as well as the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

Meeting with Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Wang Yi said that Uganda is an important country in Africa and a representative of emerging economies. President Xi Jinping and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have established mutual trust and friendship, providing impetus and assurance for the development of China-Uganda relations. Last autumn, the Beijing Summit of FOCAC was successfully held, and the outcomes of the Summit have already been effectively implemented in Uganda. In the first quarter of this year, Uganda’s exports to China increased by nearly 90 percent year on year.

Wang Yi stated that China and Uganda maintain strategic communication and coordination on international and multilateral affairs and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Africa and the vast number of developing countries. China is willing to work with Uganda and other African brothers and sisters to support and practice multilateralism, oppose unilateral bullying, and safeguard the basic norms governing international relations.

Robinah Nabbanja said that Uganda and China respect and understand each other and keep close communication and contact. She expressed appreciation to China for its long-term and valuable support to Uganda’s infrastructure construction and economic and social development. Uganda and China have achieved remarkable results in cooperation within the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the FOCAC.

Meeting with Vice President of Liberia Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Wang Yi extended congratulations on Liberia’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. He said that China is ready to strengthen solidarity and coordination with Liberia, practice the vision of multilateralism, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, especially African countries. China’s foreign policy remains consistent and stable, and China stands firmly with developing countries and speaks up for small and medium-sized nations.

Jeremiah Kpan Koung said that China is a reliable friend. He expressed appreciation for China’s long-term, selfless support and assistance to Liberia, saying that China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries has brought significant benefits to Liberia. Liberia is willing to work with China to continue implementing the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state and advance cooperation in various fields such as maritime affairs, green energy, healthcare, and agriculture. 

Continue reading Wang Yi meets leading politicians from Uganda, Liberia, Mozambique and other countries

Chinese Foreign Minister meets his counterparts from South Africa, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau and other African countries

Following his June 10 meetings, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his counterparts from South Africa, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Djibouti the following day in Changsha, Hunan.

Meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, Wang Yi said that the foreign ministers of the two countries have met four times in a year, demonstrating the close ties between China and South Africa and the high level of China-South Africa all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. China and South Africa are good friends with shared ideals and good partners for mutual benefit and win-win results, and the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over time. China and South Africa are major developing countries with common experiences and shared pursuits. The more complex the situation and the sharper the challenges, the more the two countries should unite and cooperate, and strive for self-reliance and strength. China is happy to see South Africa play a greater role on the international and regional stage, and supports South Africa in fulfilling its duties as the G20 presidency.

The previous day, Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun met with the visiting Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya in Beijing.

Admiral Dong Jun praised that the traditional friendship between China and South Africa has endured over time and forged a special bond of “comrades and brothers” through the tests of the international situation. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the heads of state of the two countries, cooperation between the two militaries in various fields has flourished. “China is willing to work with South Africa to practice the true multilateralism and jointly oppose the hegemony, bullying, power politics, and division and confrontation,” stressed Admiral Dong, adding that both sides should enhance exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, optimise cooperation mechanisms, expand pragmatic cooperation, and promote deeper, wider mil-to-mil relations, so as to contribute more to building a high-level community with a shared future for China and South Africa.

General Maphwanya appreciated the Chinese military’s long-standing strong support and assistance to the SANDF.

The 10th meeting of the China-South Africa Defence Committee took place in Beijing on the same day. Both parties expressed commitment to further explore cooperation prospects, broadening cooperation areas, and enhancing levels of collaboration under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ leaders. They agreed to continuously enrich the all-round strategic cooperative partnership for the new era between China and South Africa, thereby making a positive contribution to maintaining international and regional security and stability.

The South China Morning Post reported that the “solidarity pledge to South African general comes after Washington’s controversial move to fast-track asylum for 59 white Afrikaners.” It described China’s defence minister as stressing that their historical links were rooted in China’s support for the African National Congress (ANC) during the apartheid era. The report added:

“Maphwanya thanked China for its long-standing support for the development of South Africa’s military, calling the Chinese military a ‘sincere friend and partner’.

“‘South Africa values its friendship with China and looks forward to closer cooperation in joint drills, military education, personnel training and maritime security,” Maphwanya was quoted as saying.

“Visits to China by South African military officials are not uncommon, but the timing has drawn attention due to growing scrutiny over Pretoria’s geopolitical alignments.”

Meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabe Abroad of Burkina Faso Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, Wang Yi said that since the resumption of diplomatic relations seven years ago, China and Burkina Faso have fully restored bilateral relations, contributing to the national development and economic growth of Burkina Faso, bringing tangible benefits to the Burkinabe people. Facts have proven that the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Burkina Faso fully serves the fundamental and long-term interests of Burkina Faso and its people. China consistently upholds the principle of non-interference in internal affairs and respects the choices made by the Burkinabe people. China will continue to support Burkina Faso in safeguarding its legitimate rights and interests and in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and driven by self-reliance. China is ready to consolidate mutual trust and friendship with Burkina Faso, enhance the exchange of governance experience, and provide support and assistance within its capacity for Burkina Faso’s development and revitalisation.

Continue reading Chinese Foreign Minister meets his counterparts from South Africa, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea-Bissau and other African countries

Wang Yi meets his counterparts from Angola, Namibia and other African countries

Over a period of three days, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from numerous African countries in the margins of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as well as the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, both held in Changsha, Hunan.

On June 10, Wang met with ministers from Angola, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana and Kenya.

Meeting with Minister of External Relations of Angola Téte António, Wang Yi said that last autumn, President Xi Jinping announced the ten partnership actions to support Africa’s revitalisation at the Beijing Summit of FOCAC. Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, this initiative has already yielded notable early results. At present, unilateralism and protectionism are making a comeback, free trade and international rules are suffering serious setbacks, and developing countries are facing severe challenges. China firmly stands with the Global South, especially African countries, to jointly uphold the multilateral trading system and safeguard international fairness and justice. China will continue to support Angola in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating chair of the African Union (AU). China supports Angola’s efforts to advance national development and is ready to share China’s development opportunities with Angola, expand cooperation in various fields such as agricultural modernisation, healthcare, and human resources training, and support Angola in accelerating its industrialisation process.

Téte António said that Hunan is the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding leader of the People’s Republic of China. Many African people came to learn about Hunan through him, which has facilitated mutually beneficial cooperation with Hunan. Angola and China share a profound traditional friendship and have close ties. Upholding a spirit of solidarity, both sides have made fruitful progress in bilateral relations, and friendship with China has become a consensus among all sectors in Angola. The FOCAC mechanism is becoming increasingly mature, and Angola looks forward to working with China to implement the outcomes of the summit. Angola supports the series of important global initiatives proposed by China and is willing to enhance multilateral coordination with China, fulfil its responsibilities as the AU rotating chair, correct historical injustice, and uphold fairness and justice.

Following the meeting, the two sides issued a joint press communiqué.

According to the communiqué, China reiterates its firm support for the Angolan people to independently choose a development path suited to their national conditions, and for Angola to safeguard its national independence, sovereignty, security and interests. The Angolan side reiterates its firm adherence to the one-China principle, recognises that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory, opposes any form of “Taiwan independence”, and firmly supports all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification.

The two sides agreed that the development of human rights is the common cause of all humanity, and that the right to subsistence and development are the primary basic human rights, and that human rights exchanges and cooperation should be carried out on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment. Respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states are the basic norms governing international relations.

The world is undergoing changes in a century at an accelerated pace. China and Angola are committed to promoting greater representation and voice of the Global South in the international system. The two sides are ready to work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, carry out high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world featuring lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. China and Angola are ready to jointly implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative, promote global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, resolutely abandon the law of the jungle, oppose hegemonism, power politics and all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, and contribute to promoting lasting peace and development in the world.

Meeting with Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Wang Yi said that at the beginning of this year, he, as Chinese foreign minister continued the friendly tradition of making Africa the destination of the first overseas visit in the new year, with Namibia as the first stop. This demonstrates China’s high regard for China-Namibia relations and its sincere commitment to strengthening China-Africa solidarity and cooperation.

China is ready to work with Namibia to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual trust, mutual support and sincerity, solidify the political foundation of bilateral relations and inject new vitality into China-Namibia friendship in the new era. The two sides should seek greater synergy of development strategies and upgrade mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as energy and mining, nuclear energy, smart cities, agricultural technology, and vocational education and training, to support Namibia in increasing industrial added value, accelerating industrialisation, and delivering greater benefits to the Namibian people.

Wang Yi said that the 21st century is the century of joint development and revitalisation for Asia and Africa. This Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators will demonstrate the strong resolve of China and Africa to advance their respective modernisation, showcase the powerful strength of China-Africa solidarity, and send a strong message of the two sides’ joint commitment to upholding international fairness and justice. As important members of the Global South, China and Namibia should enhance coordination, overcome external interference, and jointly resist unilateralism and protectionism in the face of an increasingly uncertain and unstable international landscape, so as to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South.

Continue reading Wang Yi meets his counterparts from Angola, Namibia and other African countries

China and Africa consolidate dynamic partnership

On June 11, 2025, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Changsha, capital of China’s Hunan Province.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the opening ceremony and read out the congratulatory letter from President Xi Jinping. Foreign Minister Jean-Claude Gakosso of the Republic of the Congo, the current African co-chair of the FOCAC, read out the congratulatory letter from President Denis Sassou Nguesso.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since its establishment 25 years ago, the FOCAC has strongly driven the flourishing development of China-Africa cooperation and become a model for solidarity and cooperation in the Global South. Through the entry into agreements on economic partnership for shared development, China implements zero-tariff measures of granting 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines, and facilitates greater access for exports from Africa’s least developed countries to China.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso pledged to make all-out efforts and work unwaveringly with President Xi Jinping to make greater progress in building an Africa-China community with a shared future and to enhance the well-being of the people on both sides. As the African co-chair of the FOCAC, the Republic of the Congo will work with China and other Global South countries to strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly build a multipolar world free from unilateralism and protectionism, and usher in a new era of universally beneficial and inclusive globalisation.

Wang Yi said that since its establishment 25 years ago, the FOCAC has grown rapidly, driving China-Africa relations to achieve leapfrog development and ushering in their best period in history. The FOCAC Beijing Summit held in September last year marked the beginning of a new journey for jointly building a China-Africa community with a shared future. Guided by the consensus reached at the summit, China and Africa have actively implemented the ten partnership actions and achieved new, encouraging outcomes. Strategic mutual trust between China and Africa has become stronger, practical cooperation has been increasingly deepened, and multilateral coordination has become closer. Facts have proved that China-Africa cooperation has a solid foundation, extensive demands, and enormous potential, and is brimming with vigour and vitality. When China and Africa stand shoulder to shoulder, the development and revitalisation of the Global South will be more promising, and international fairness and justice will be more guaranteed.

The Chinese Foreign Minister emphasised that China and Africa, as the largest developing country and the continent home to the largest number of developing countries, together form the backbone of the Global South. The more complex and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more imperative it is for China and Africa to uphold solidarity and self-reliance, stand firmly on the right side of history, actively steer the course of the times, and respond to uncertainties in the world with the stability and resilience of China-Africa relations.

Continue reading China and Africa consolidate dynamic partnership

China and Africa issue powerful declaration on Global South solidarity and cooperation

The China-Africa Changsha Declaration – signed between the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission on 11 June at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Changsha, Hunan – affirmed that:

  • All countries of the Global South should work together to safeguard multilateralism, promote multipolarity and oppose unilateralism and bullying.
  • The US’s tariffs, unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying are severely damaging to Africa and must be opposed.
  • China will expand its zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China (that is, all African countries except for Eswatini).
  • China will continue actively contributing to Africa’s modernisation, including in green energy, AI, science and technology.
  • All countries should work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, promote Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative.

The declaration is a strong reaffirmation of the principles of solidarity, cooperation and mutual benefit that underpin China’s relations with Africa, and a powerful statement against the US’s attempts to divide the Global South.

It highlights the fact that, while the US is putting up tariff barriers, China is tearing them down; that while the US has slashed development aid, China is steadily increasing its support for African development. It clearly puts forward China’s strong support for Africa’s modernisation and sustainable development.

We are pleased to republish the full text of the statement below. The text was first published in English on the website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We will be publishing further material on this important development in due course.

We, the representatives of the People’s Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.

I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism.

Continue reading China and Africa issue powerful declaration on Global South solidarity and cooperation

China and Africa should continuously strengthen the power of the Global South

We previously reported the May 26 celebration of Africa Day in Beijing, in which Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was joined by diplomats from more than 50 African countries along with representatives from the African Union (AU).

Subsequently, the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry has now made available the full text of Wang Yi’s speech on this occasion.

Wang Yi noted that the theme of the commemoration of Africa Day this year is “China-Africa Solidarity for a Shared Future” and shared his thoughts on three keywords in this regard, namely friendship, cooperation, and solidarity.

He said:

  • We must cherish the traditional China-Africa friendship and strengthen our confidence in solidarity and cooperation.  Over the years, the Chinese and African peoples have supported each other in the struggle for independence and liberation and in the endeavour to defend national sovereignty and have helped each other in exploring development paths and achieving national rejuvenation. From China’s assistance in building the Tanzania-Zambia (TAZARA) Railway to the joint construction of Africa’s largest hydropower station, from our African brothers “carrying” China into the United Nations, to China taking the lead in supporting the African Union’s joining in the G20, and from dispatching medical teams to Africa shortly after the founding of the People’s Republic of China to the China-Africa united fight against COVID-19, China and Africa have forged a deep friendship marked by a shared future and close bonds. Entering the new era, President Xi Jinping visited Africa five times, put forward the principles of China’s Africa policy – sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests… leading China-Africa relations to their best in history. China never interferes in Africa’s internal affairs, never imposes its own will on others, never attaches any political conditions to its assistance to Africa and never seeks political gains in its investment and financing in Africa.
  • We should deepen practical cooperation and build a consensus for common development. Over the past 25 years, bilateral trade has increased 27-fold, China’s investment stock in Africa has grown more than 80 times, and we have helped build and upgrade nearly 100,000 kilometres of roads and over 10,000 kilometres of railways in Africa. In the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises have created over 1.1 million jobs in Africa. In half a month, the Coordinators’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC [Forum on China-Africa Cooperation] Ministerial Conference will be held in Changsha, Hunan. We should take this meeting as an opportunity to add more momentum and strength to the implementation of the common understandings reached by the leaders of both sides, [and] set a benchmark for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
  • We need to discern the direction of the profound changes unseen in a century and continuously strengthen the power of the Global South. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations. However, the world is not yet a tranquil place. Recently, the United States, disregarding international law and international trade rules, first abruptly cut aid to many countries, including those in Africa, and then indiscriminately imposed tariffs worldwide. Such unilateral bullying moves, which ignore the fundamental principles of international relations, would plunge the world back into the law of the jungle. History has shown time and again that in the face of injustice and power politics, compromise and concessions lead nowhere. Only by standing firm on our just position and fighting back resolutely can we safeguard our legitimate rights and interests. As the largest developing country and the continent with the highest concentration of developing countries in the world, China and Africa are both key members of the Global South. The more turbulent the international situation becomes, the more imperative it is for us to stand firmly together, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, [and] jointly oppose power politics.

Meanwhile, on June 6, at a routine Foreign Ministry press conference in Beijing, spokesperson Lin Jian announced that Wang Yi would attend the above-mentioned Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, capital city of central China’s Hunan Province, from June 10 to 12, alongside representatives from the 54 African members of FOCAC. Wang will also attend the opening ceremony of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, also to be held in Changsha.

Lin said that China will enhance coordination with African countries with a focus on implementing the six proposals and 10 partnership initiatives put forward by President Xi for jointly advancing modernisation, so that people in China and Africa will benefit more from the outcomes of the FOCAC summit.

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Tongogara Memorial Talk: African liberation and China

On Saturday May 17, 2025, the Free Mumia Abu Jamal Campaign UK, which campaigns in solidarity with the African-American freedom fighter and revolutionary who has been imprisoned since 1981, the majority of that time on ‘death row’, held a meeting and social event in memory of Comrade Tongogara (born Danny Morrell), who passed away on May 11, 2023, after a lifetime of work in the anti-racist, anti-imperialist and Marxist-Leninist movements. The UK campaign in support of Mumia was launched on Tongogara’s initiative.

The meeting was held in Vida’s ‘My Social’, a community space in Brixton, south London, especially but not exclusively for seniors. It is named after Vida Walsh, a pioneering African-Caribbean community and social activist in the Brixton area in particular. In the 1970s, Vida set up and ran an informal ‘tea and chat club’ for pensioners in Brixton. Despite the support of Age Concern Lambeth and the local residents’ association, resources were limited. Because of this, members congregated in each other’s homes, enabling pensioners to meet on a regular basis to chat and to maintain contacts within the community. This was particularly important for those older residents who, for whatever reason, were unable to rely on familial support structures for advice or assistance. To have a dedicated community space for this work was Vida’s dream and mission.

The campaign invited Friends of Socialist China co-editor Keith Bennett, who was a friend and comrade of Tongogara since the 1970s, to give a talk on the theme of African liberation and China, combining as it does two key aspects of Tongogara’s life and work.

Keith’s talk sought to weave together Tongogara’s own world outlook and political path with China’s historical support to the African revolution in the 1960s and 1970s in particular, citing examples especially from Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Congo, Guinea Bissau, Niger and South Africa.

The talk was followed by a lively ‘Q&A’ and discussion, focused especially on events around Angola’s independence in November 1975 and on present-day relations between China and Africa.

The meeting also heard a heartfelt tribute to Tongogara from Cecil Gutzmore, veteran Pan-African community activist and historian, and a stalwart of the campaign, which was read on his behalf by Wilf Dixon, as well as a brief report from that day’s Palestine solidarity demonstration in central London, which was attended by an estimated 600,000 people.

The formal proceedings were followed by a social with music and delicious home-prepared food.

The following is the main body of Keith’s speech.

It is an honour for me to be invited by the Free Mumia Abu Jamal Campaign UK to give this first Tongogara Memorial Talk, just over two years since he joined the ancestors. I hope it will be the first of many and that this will in some small way help to keep his memory alive in the way he would surely have wanted – enabling others to be inspired by his life and work, to learn from his example and to carry on the cause to which he devoted the great majority of his years.

Let me take this opportunity, on behalf of Friends of Socialist China, to congratulate the Free Mumia Campaign for all the steadfast and unflinching work you have done over years, work in which Tongogara was at the heart, to ensure that this unyielding revolutionary and internationalist is not forgotten in the hell hole of the US prison system.

As Mumia himself has said: “Know this: throughout it all. I have never felt alone. To the eye, I was alone in solitary confinement, on death row, but the eye cannot really see all that is, for behind brick and steel, I felt our love, sometimes like a wave, sometimes like a whisper, but always there, ever present.”

Why should I be giving this talk today? Perhaps it’s for the organisers rather than me to say. But I’m the co-editor of Friends of Socialist China, a platform established four years ago to support the People’s Republic of China and promote understanding of Chinese socialism and the Chinese revolution.

The Chinese revolution and its impact on the world has fascinated me since my early teens. And that’s essentially how I came to know Tongogara. Anyone who knew him, would appreciate that for Tongogara, the Chinese revolution and the teachings of Mao Zedong were central to his outlook on life – a veritable political compass, alongside his unshakeable commitment to the liberation of African people worldwide. At home and abroad, to borrow Marcus Garvey’s expression.

I can’t remember exactly when I first met him, but we certainly knew each other by the summer of 1976, just before my 18th birthday. Danny Morrell, as he was then known, was at that time a member of a small communist organisation, which was going to start producing a factory newspaper for the engineering factory in north London where he and a couple of other comrades had taken jobs.

Obviously, it would have marked the end of their employment, and hence of the political project in which they were engaged, had they openly distributed the paper themselves. That was my job and the night before I stayed at Danny’s bedsit to be there for the early morning shift.

That night we talked – obviously – and that’s when I started to really get to know him. I was touched by the loving photos of family back in Jamaica, which held pride of place alongside the posters produced by the Youth Forces for National Liberation (YFNL), a vibrant Marxist-Leninist organisation in Jamaica at that time.  One of them commemorated the Morant Bay Rebellion of 1865.

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