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:
“Together our movements were forged in the cauldrons of anti-apartheid and anti-colonial struggle. Today, together, we must be forged anew in the fire of a new struggle. The struggle for social and economic justice for our people, regional unity, integration and sovereignty in an increasingly hostile global order.
“We gather this year on the 64th anniversary of the independence of Tanzania, the 50th anniversary of the independence of Angola and Mozambique, the 45th anniversary of the independence of Zimbabwe, and the 35th anniversary of the independence of Namibia. It is a moment not just for celebration, but it is also a moment for critical reflection. We must honour the memories of our founding giants Julius Nyerere, Eduardo Mondlane, Samora Machel, Agostinho Neto, Sam Nujoma, Robert Mugabe, Joshua Nkomo, Kenneth Kaunda, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela, and many others.
“Their vision, courage, boldness, bravery, as well as sacrifice laid the foundations of a free Southern Africa that we live in today. We remember with deep reverence the recently departed comrade Sam Nujoma and comrade Hage Geingob of Namibia, stalwarts of SWAPO, and lifelong warriors for justice, equality, and dignity. We also here in South Africa remember the recently departed David Dabede Mabuza, former President of the Republic of South Africa, and the African National Congress.”
In a consistent theme of the conference, representing the serious and self-critical approach increasingly being taken by the participating parties, he added:
“Most of our movements are having to contend with declining electoral support, shifting demographics, frustrated young people in our various countries, economic inequality, and foreign interference. These trends speak to a deeper crisis, the disconnect between our founding narratives and the lived realities of a new generation of young people. It is a generation that sees and appreciates less of our past victories and more of our present shortcomings.
“It is a generation that demands jobs, justice, dignity, housing, education, health, and security, and sees our movements as distant, rigid, and slow to adapt. This disconnect amongst the population emboldens the external attacks on our sovereignty, our independence, development, and security. In fact, there has been ample evidence that international actors use the legitimate grievances of our people to attack progressive governments.”
In another pressing and topical reference, he stated: “Although the African continent is not responsible for the warming of the planet, it is most vulnerable to its effect. That is neither just nor is it sustainable. Countries in the Global North developed on the back of Africa’s human capital, on the back of Africa’s natural resources, and cultural destruction.
“The price has been centuries of extraction, exploitation, and underdevelopment whose effects are still felt up to today. As Walter Rodney argued in ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’, Europe was developed by means of the same underdevelopment of Africa. To meet present-day challenges, we require urgent, substantial, and sustainable solutions to Africa’s challenges…
“We must recognise that our political independence is incomplete without economic justice. It is incomplete without resolving the question of land. It is incomplete unless we industrialise, we beneficiate the minerals that are extracted from our land, and we create jobs for our youth.”
Referencing the internationalism that has always characterised the region’s liberation movements, he stated: “We must reject xenophobia in all its forms. Migration itself must not be seen as a threat. It is a consequence of underdevelopment, war, global inequality, not a moral failing of those who move in search of hope.
“As liberation movements, we must advocate for people-centred regional migration policies that affirm dignity, rights, and solidarity as well. We must never forget our freedom struggles were international in nature. Our freedom was achieved not only by the tireless struggles of our peoples but by the efforts of people from across the world.
“Drawing on that experience, we reaffirm our support for the peoples of Palestine, Western Sahara, and Cuba. We condemn in the strongest terms the crimes against humanity and the genocide committed by the apartheid state of Israel against the people of Palestine. We are particularly horrified by the deliberate starvation of the people of Gaza.
“We call on the state of Israel to allow food and essential aid to be allowed in and to be distributed amongst the starving Palestinians. We call for an immediate end to the relentless bombardment of civilians and the destruction of their homes, their hospitals, their places of worship. We call on the world to stop the murder of children and babies through starvation.
“Our position remains very clear. Liberation is indivisible. We are not truly free until all are free…
“We should champion the vision of a multipolar, multicultural, equitable, inclusive, and a just world order. We should demand reform of the political and economic global governance institutions and the end of unilateral sanctions and the creation of a just global governance system rooted in dignity and in fairness. Working with like-minded forces across the world, we must be the architects of the new world order that we seek.”
He concluded: “We need to reaffirm that there shall be peace and friendship, that there shall be houses and security and comfort for all as set out in our freedom charter adopted in 1955, 70 years ago here in South Africa. Let us not only defend the gains of liberation. We should build on what we have achieved, and we have achieved a great deal even as our detractors seek to downplay the achievements that were brought about by our liberation movements.
“Let us realise the hopes and the aspirations of our people as we move together in unison as liberation movements, seeking to achieve the objectives that were set out by our forebears when they established our movements to attain our independence and our freedom against apartheid and against colonialism. This is the hour and the moment that we need to regain our strength and move forward, renewed and reinvigorated.”
Introduced by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, Comrade Liu Jianchao addressed the summit on its third day.
After extending the greetings and best wishes from General Secretary Xi Jinping and the 100 million CPC members, he said:
“Your forefathers led the brave and resilient African people out of the long dark night of colonialism and achieved national liberation. 31 years ago in 1994, as a UN observer, I had the privilege of witnessing the first non-racial democratic election in South Africa.
“After independence, leaders across African countries focused on achieving economic liberation and the revival of civilisations, taking yet another step towards modernisation. We are heartened to see that the once forgotten continent of Africa has transformed into a land of vitality and robust growth, becoming an important political, economic, and cultural pole of the world. As Comrade Nelson Mandela put it, we stand at the dawn of an African century.
“China has travelled a long and difficult path towards modernisation. Under the CPC’s leadership, what was once an impoverished agriculture nation has now become the second largest economy in the world. To realise modernisation, it is essential to have a strong political leadership able to lead and unite.
“There must be a correct direction, sensible goals, and the hard work of the entire people. China’s modernisation would not have been possible without the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China. The long-term governance of the CPC keeps Chinese modernisation on track, avoiding policy fluctuations and flip-flops.
“Under the CPC’s leadership, generations of the Chinese people have forged ahead, turning the grand blueprint into reality. To realise modernisation, it is essential to continuously meet people’s aspirations for a better life. The ultimate goal of modernisation is the free and well-rounded development of the individual.
“China will support Africa in cultivating the drivers of modernisation, namely green, balanced, and sustainable industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, and a skilled workforce to turn each resource, rich resources, and the demographic dividend into true growth engines. And China will support Africa in revitalising African civilisations and drawing strength from its splendid civilisation on the path to modernisation. As Comrade Nelson Mandela once said, the African rebirth is now more than an idea.
“Africa will embrace true liberation and full revitalisation in this century. China will join hands with Africa on the path towards civilisation for a better common future.”
The proceedings of the Summit’s third day may be viewed here. Comrade Liu’s speech begins at 06.10 minutes.
Following his speech ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane read the message from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, which stated:
“We are proud that the Soviet Union, led by the Communist Party, had made a significant contribution to the support of the liberation struggle. Thousands of activists of your movements have received training in military schools and universities of the then Soviet Union. Our military officers worked in liberation movement camps in Africa.
“Soviet diplomats defended your just interests at the United Nations. We provided this support despite the fact that the West was trying to brand you as terrorists. Today, political power belongs to democratic governments that reflect the interests of the people.”
Liu Jianchao also held a number of bilateral meetings in the margins of the summit.
Meeting his host, Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa regards China as its most important strategic partner and will continue to stand firmly with China to continuously strengthen and consolidate the South Africa-China all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. The six Southern African liberation movements, including the ANC, maintain brotherly friendship with the CPC and regard the CPC as a political ally. The ANC hopes to further enhance exchanges with the CPC, learn from each other and jointly face international challenges.
Liu congratulated South Africa on the successful holding of the Liberation Movements Summit. China is willing to work with South Africa to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen bilateral and multilateral communication and coordination, promote unity and cooperation among developing countries, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and the interests of the Global South countries.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of SWAPO and of the Republic of Namibia, said the world is now in a period of turbulence and transformation, which has a profound impact on the development of both Africa and China. Since last year, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC have been successfully held, pushing Africa-China cooperation to a new level. Namibia highly appreciates this. Namibia hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as agriculture, minerals, infrastructure, clean energy, trade and investment under the framework of the FOCAC, and promote common development and prosperity between Namibia and China as well as Africa and China. SWAPO values its long-term friendly relations with the CPC and is satisfied with the current progress of cooperation between the two Parties.
Liu said, China and Namibia are good brothers, good friends and good partners. China and Namibia are both important members of the Global South. China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Namibia under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, strengthen the unity and cooperation among the Global South countries, jointly respond to the complex evolution of the international situation, and better safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
He added that both the CPC and SWAPO shoulder the historical mission of achieving national development and prosperity. The CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue and strategic communication with the six Southern African liberation movements, including SWAPO, enhance exchanges and mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, deepen cooperation in areas such as party building and cadre training, and contribute to the development of bilateral relations and the cause of strengthening the two Parties and the two countries.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, President and First Secretary of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and Zimbabwean President said, the brotherly friendship between Zimbabwe and China has been tested over time. Zimbabwe remembers China’s firm support for its national liberation cause and thanks China for its long-term sincere assistance to Zimbabwe’s national development. Zimbabwe firmly supports the three global initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and is willing to deepen economic and trade cooperation and local exchanges with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). ZANU-PF values its close relationship with the CPC and has benefited a lot from cooperation, such as cadre training and the construction of party schools.
Liu said, General Secretary Xi Jinping and President Emmerson Mnangagwa reached important consensus on building a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future and a “five-star ironclad” cooperation framework, providing new strategic guidance for the development of China-Zimbabwe relations. China supports Zimbabwe in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests. China is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to implement the important consensus and summit outcomes reached by the two heads of state, deeply integrate the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in investment, trade, infrastructure, clean energy, digital economy and other fields to help Zimbabwe accelerate its modernisation process.
He added that the CPC and ZANU-PF are good comrades and brothers. The CPC is willing to enhance political dialogue between the two Parties, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as the construction of Party schools and cadre training to jointly improve governance capabilities.
Daniel Chapo, President of FRELIMO and President of Mozambique said, the friendship between Mozambique and China has a long history. Mozambique will always stand firmly with China and is willing to enhance bilateral and multilateral communication and coordination to jointly address the challenges brought about by the volatile international situation. He congratulated the CPC on its continuous growth and outstanding achievements in leading China’s development. He said that FRELIMO and the CPC are good brothers and partners, hoping to strengthen high-level exchanges with the CPC, and deeply learn from China’s experience in reform and development to help FRELIMO build itself into a stronger party, accelerate the country’s modernisation process, and continuously improve people’s living standards.
Liu said, the friendship between the CPC and FRELIMO is the political foundation and unique advantage of China-Mozambique relations. In the new situation, the CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with FRELIMO, deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as cadre training, enhance mutual understanding, and improve governance capabilities. Profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating in today’s world. China will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the six Southern African liberation movements, including FRELIMO, and other progressive forces around the world, join hands to resist risks, cope with challenges, and promote the common development of the Global South countries.
Meeting with Mara Quiosa, Vice President of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), Liu congratulated Angola on the 50th anniversary of its independence and said that China and Angola are good friends, good partners and good brothers sharing sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith. In recent years, President Xi Jinping and President Joao Lourenco have met many times, reaching important consensus on and charting the course for the development of China-Angola relations in the new era. China is willing to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen political mutual trust, strengthen the alignment of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the Angola 2050 strategy, and further explore the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, infrastructure and mineral processing, to help Angola accelerate its independent development and bring more benefits to the people of both countries.
Quiosa said, Angola and China have enjoyed a long-standing friendship and close cooperation, with a solid and robust bilateral relationship. China is an important development partner of Angola. China has provided substantial assistance and support for Angola’s infrastructure development, and the in-depth cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, energy, water conservancy and other fields has effectively promoted Angola’s national development. The MPLA hopes to further deepen friendly relations with the CPC, increase personnel exchanges between the two Parties, strengthen exchanges of ideas and concepts and cooperation in cadre training, and promote greater development of bilateral relations.
Meeting with Mizengo Pinda, Member of the Central Committee of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and former Prime Minister of Tanzania, Liu said that the friendship between China and Tanzania is rooted in the fact that the older generation of leaders from the two countries shared weal and woe in the national liberation struggle, developed on the basis of mutual respect and trust in the pursuit of national rejuvenation, and grew stronger as both sides advanced together on the path of modernisation. It has become a fine example of unity and cooperation among developing countries in seeking common development. China supports Tanzania in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests.
He added that the CPC and the CCM share common ideals, enjoy deep friendship and maintain close cooperation. The CPC is willing to work with the CCM to implement the memorandum of understanding on exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties, enhance high-level exchanges and political dialogue, deepen exchanges of experience on governance issues of common concern such as poverty alleviation, anti-corruption and agricultural development, and continue to support the development of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School to jointly improve Party building of both sides and better serve their common cause of governance and national development.
Pinda said, the friendship between Tanzania and China has withstood the test of international vicissitudes and remains unbreakable. Tanzania admires China’s remarkable development achievements and is deeply grateful for China’s strong support in development. Tanzania hopes to accelerate the renovation and upgrading of the TAZARA Railway with China to help improve regional trade and logistics efficiency for Tanzania and its neighbouring countries. The CCM thanks the CPC for its support in the teaching and operation of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School and for helping the six Southern African liberation movements realise their development aspirations.
Meeting with Jibril Rajoub, Secretary General of the Fatah Central Committee of Palestine, Liu said, China highly values the traditional friendship between China and Palestine. No matter how the international situation changes, the two sides have always trusted and supported each other and are good friends, partners and brothers. The CPC attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with Fatah and is willing to deepen exchanges between the two Parties and promote the continuous development of the strategic partnership between China and Palestine.
China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, support Palestine’s bid for full United Nations membership, and supports the immediate realisation of a sustained ceasefire in Gaza to effectively alleviate the humanitarian crisis. China is willing to work with the international community to continue to make unremitting efforts to promote an early, comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. China has always supported internal reconciliation in Palestine and believes that internal reconciliation in Palestine is an important step towards resolving the Palestinian question and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. China sincerely hopes that Palestine will realise solidarity, unity and independent statehood at an early date.
Rajoub said, Fatah is proud of the deep friendship between Palestine and China and the long-term friendly cooperation with the CPC. He thanked China for its tremendous assistance to Palestine’s development over the years and its important contributions to promoting reconciliation among Palestinian factions, which has created positive conditions for Palestine to realise independent statehood and brought new hope to the Palestinian people.
Meeting with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the ANC, Liu said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa 27 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, treated each other as equals, and achieved win-win cooperation, setting a fine example of friendly exchanges and mutual assistance between China and African countries and Global South countries. President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa have met many times, elevating China-South Africa relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era and reaching important consensus on jointly building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future, leading China-South Africa relations into a “golden era”.
He added that the CPC and the ANC are good comrades and brothers. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to implement the memorandum of understanding on exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties, further deepen the institutionalised exchanges with the ANC, enhance high-level exchanges and political dialogue, strengthen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, promote practical cooperation between the two sides through inter-party channels, and provide a strong political guarantee for the continuous and healthy development of China-South Africa relations.
The Liberation Movements Summit held in South Africa this time has sent out a strong message of progressive forces joining hands and opposing external interference. The CPC is willing to work with the ANC to make good use of mechanisms such as the BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue, strengthen unity and cooperation among Global South countries, jointly resist risks and address common challenges, and work for a more just and equitable international order.
Mbalula welcomed the CPC delegation led by Liu Jianchao for the Liberation Movements Summit. He said, South Africa appreciates the valuable support provided by China for South Africa’s national development over a long period of time. The ANC and the CPC have forged deep sentiments through long-term exchanges, effectively promoting the common development and prosperity of the two countries. The ANC hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC in areas such as ideological work and cadre training, and promote practical cooperation in trade, investment, and other fields, so as to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples.
Meeting with Gwen Ramokgopa, Treasurer-General of the ANC, Liu said, in the face of a complex and volatile international situation, it is more necessary for the political parties from the Global South countries, including the CPC and the Former Liberation Movements of Southern Africa, to strengthen unity and cooperation, jointly address global challenges, and promote the establishment of a more just and reasonable international order. The CPC values its friendly relations with the ANC and will continue to stand firmly with the ANC, implement the memorandum of understanding on exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, and promote practical cooperation in agriculture, mining and real estate through the “political party +” channel to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
Ramokgopa said, the holding of the Liberation Movements Summit is conducive to uniting the progressive forces of the Global South, practicing true multilateralism, and maintaining international fairness and justice. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle. The ANC attaches great importance to its brotherly relations with the CPC, appreciates the great development achievements made by the CPC in leading China and its positive contributions to promoting world development. The ANC hopes to further expand the depth and breadth of exchanges between the two Parties, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning in areas such as anti-corruption and state administration, enhance governance capabilities of both sides, and promote economic and trade investment cooperation between them through inter-party channels, so as to promote the common development of the two countries.
The next Liberation Movements Summit is due to be hosted by Tanzania’s CCM.
The following articles were originally published on the website of the IDCPC.
Liu Jianchao Attends and Addresses the Liberation Movements Summit
Johannesburg, July 27th (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), attended and addressed here today the Liberation Movements Summit. The summit was hosted by the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, with the theme of “Defending the Liberation Gains, Advancing Integrated Socio-Economic Development, Strengthening Solidarity for a Better Africa”. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the ANC and President of South Africa, Emmerson Mnangagwa, President and First Secretary of the Zimbabwe African National Union—Patriotic Front and Zimbabwean President, Daniel Chapo, President of FRELIMO and President of Mozambique, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the SWAPO Party and President of Namibia, Mizengo Pinda, Member of the Central Committee of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi and former Prime Minister of Tanzania, and Mara Quiosa, Vice President of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola, delivered speeches and interacted with the representatives present. Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the ANC of South Africa, presided over the meeting. More than 200 representatives from the six Southern African liberation movements, other African political parties and organizations, as well as Palestine’s Fatah, attended the event.
Liu said, building a better Africa means achieving its modernization. Africa is home to the largest number of developing countries and an important part of the Global South. Without Africa’s modernization, there will be no modernization of the world. To achieve modernization, generations of Africans have made arduous explorations. We are glad to see that this once forgotten continent is increasingly becoming the land of hope and source of dynamism, and an important pole in the world’s political, economic and cultural development.
Like Africa, China has also long sought to achieve modernization. Under the leadership of the CPC, China has achieved national independence and people’s liberation, transforming a populous, poor and backward traditional agricultural country into the world’s second-largest economy and the largest manufacturing country, creating two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability, and successfully blazing a path of Chinese modernization.
To walk the path of modernization well, the key lies in having a political force that can lead and unite all the people, adhering to a people-centered approach, drawing wisdom and strength from the nation’s own civilization, and pursuing peaceful development and a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up.
Liu said, the successful practice of China’s modernization proves that modernization is not equal to Westernization, and the paths to modernization are diverse. Today, China and Africa face a world that is far from peaceful. China is willing to work with Africa to well implement the ten partnership actions for modernization proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, support African countries in independently exploring a modernization path that suits their national conditions, fostering the internal impetus for modernization and revitalizing indigenous civilizations, and contribute to building a better Africa.
Leaders of political parties from the participating countries said, under the new circumstances, African countries should enhance unity and cooperation, accelerate the process of regional economic and social integration, empower groups such as youth and women, promote social fairness and justice, and comprehensively improve the living standards of the people. The current international situation is undergoing complex and profound changes. Progressive forces should inherit and carry forward the spirit of the liberation movements, adhere to independence and autonomy, strengthen coordination and cooperation, oppose hegemonism, unilateralism, and neocolonialism, seek further development and improvement of multilateralism, promote world multipolarization, and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South countries.
Liu Jianchao Delivers a Speech at a Thematic Session of the Liberation Movements Summit
Johannesburg, July 26th (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), attended and addressed here a thematic session during his leadership of a CPC delegation at the Liberation Movements Summit. Representatives from the six Southern African liberation movements, including African National Congress (ANC), the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the SWAPO Party of Namibia, the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), as well as from Palestine’s Fatah and other political parties, attended the event.
Liu said, at present, the world is undergoing faster transformation unseen in a century, economic globalization is encountering headwinds, and international rules and order are being undermined. We also face problems such as unbalanced and inadequate economic and social development and the need to further improve governance capacity and governance level. We are confronted with new tests on how to deal with severe and complex internal and external risks and challenges, how to promote healthy and stable economic and social development, and how to consolidate our long-term governing position.
Liu said, over a long period of time, the CPC and the six Southern African liberation movements have helped and supported each other and fought side by side in the pursuit of independence and liberation and the realization of national rejuvenation, forging a deep bond of sharing weal and woe. As close friendly parties, the CPC and the six Southern African liberation movements should strengthen party building to ensure that the Party remains the core leadership in the process of promoting national modernization; adhere to independence and autonomy, and firmly hold the future and destiny of national development and progress in our own hands; put people first and take meeting the people’s aspiration for a better life as the goal of endeavors; and carry forward the spirit of struggle and resolutely safeguard ruling security and legitimate development rights and interests.
Liu said, the political dialogue between the CPC and the six Southern African liberation movements is of great significance, providing an important platform for the two sides to unite closely and jointly deal with various risks and challenges. In the face of current internal and external risks and challenges, the CPC is willing to stand firmly with the six Southern African liberation movements, continue to be good brothers supporting each other, good comrades learning from each other, good partners developing together, and good friends helping each other, and jointly address common challenges.
Representatives of the political parties had in-depth exchanges on topics such as “strengthening strategic cooperation to jointly counter new colonialism” and “strengthening regional stability and promoting integrated economic and social development”.
Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the ANC and President of South Africa, Meets with Liu Jianchao
Johannesburg, July 27th (IDCPC) — Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the African National Congress (ANC) and President of South Africa, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Ramaphosa said, the CPC delegation’s attendance at the Liberation Movements Summit was an important support for the summit and the African people. South Africa regards China as its most important strategic partner and will continue to stand firmly with China to continuously strengthen and consolidate the South Africa-China all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era. The six Southern African liberation movements, including the ANC, maintain brotherly friendship with the CPC and regard the CPC as a political ally. The ANC hopes to further enhance exchanges with the CPC, learn from each other and jointly face international challenges.
Liu congratulated South Africa on the successful holding of the Liberation Movements Summit. He said, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with more uncertainties, instabilities and unpredictable factors. China is willing to work with South Africa to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen bilateral and multilateral communication and coordination, promote unity and cooperation among developing countries, and jointly safeguard international fairness and justice and the interests of the Global South countries.
Liu said, the CPC is willing to continuously deepen its friendly relations with the ANC, support each other, learn from each other, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as cadre training to promote greater development of China-South Africa relations. Liu also introduced China’s further deepening reforms comprehensively, advancement of Chinese modernization and formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Wu Peng, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, and Gwen Ramokgopa, ANC Treasurer-General, attended the meeting.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the SWAPO Party and President of Namibia, Meets with Liu Jianchao
Johannesburg, July 26th (IDCPC) — Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the SWAPO Party and President of Namibia, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC).
Ndaitwah said, the world is now in a period of turbulence and transformation, which has a profound impact on the development of both Africa and China. Since last year, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC have been successfully held, pushing Africa-China cooperation to a new level. Namibia highly appreciates this. Namibia hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as agriculture, minerals, infrastructure, clean energy, trade and investment under the framework of the FOCAC, and promote common development and prosperity between Namibia and China as well as Africa and China. The SWAPO Party values its long-term friendly relations with the CPC and is satisfied with the current progress of cooperation between the two Parties. The SWAPO Party hopes to further enhance personnel exchanges and ideological exchanges between the two Parties, and jointly improve respective governance capabilities. Namibia believes in and supports multilateralism and hopes to promote economic and social development through multilateral cooperation and address global challenges.
Liu said, China and Namibia are good brothers, good friends and good partners. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Namibia’s independence and the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia. China is willing to take this opportunity to work with Namibia to accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC, deeply align the development strategies of the two countries, continuously enhance the level of cooperation, and play a demonstration role for China and Africa to jointly promote modernization. At present, unilateralism, isolationism and protectionism are on the rise. China and Namibia are both important members of the Global South. China stands ready to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Namibia under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, strengthen the unity and cooperation among the Global South countries, jointly respond to the complex evolution of the international situation, and better safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Liu said, both the CPC and the SWAPO Party shoulder the historical mission of achieving national development and prosperity. The CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue and strategic communication with the six Southern African liberation movements, including the SWAPO Party, enhance exchanges and mutual learning of experience in state governance and administration, deepen cooperation in areas such as party building and cadre training, and contribute to the development of bilateral relations and the cause of strengthening the two Parties and the two countries.
Sophia Shaningwa, Secretary General of the SWAPO Party, attended the meeting.
Emmerson Mnangagwa, President and First Secretary of the ZANU-PF and Zimbabwean President, Meets with Liu Jianchao
Johannesburg, July 27th (IDCPC) — Emmerson Mnangagwa, President and First Secretary of the Zimbabwe African National Union—Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) and Zimbabwean President, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC).
Mnangagwa said, the brotherly friendship between Zimbabwe and China has been tested over time. Zimbabwe remembers China’s firm support for its national liberation cause and thanks China for its long-term sincere assistance to Zimbabwe’s national development. Zimbabwe firmly supports the three global initiatives proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping and is willing to deepen economic and trade cooperation and local exchanges with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries and the two peoples. The ZANU-PF values its close relationship with the CPC and has benefited a lot from cooperation, such as cadre training and the construction of party schools. The ZANU-PF hopes to further deepen exchanges between the two Parties and promote greater development of Zimbabwe-China relations.
Liu said, General Secretary Xi Jinping and President Emmerson Mnangagwa reached important consensus on building a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future and a “five-star ironclad” cooperation framework, providing new strategic guidance for the development of China-Zimbabwe relations. China supports Zimbabwe in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests. China is willing to take the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to implement the important consensus and summit outcomes reached by the two heads of state, deeply integrate the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in investment, trade, infrastructure, clean energy, digital economy and other fields to help Zimbabwe accelerate its modernization process.
Liu said, the CPC and the ZANU-PF are good comrades and brothers. The CPC is willing to enhance political dialogue between the two Parties, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, and strengthen cooperation in areas such as the construction of Party schools and cadre training to jointly improve governance capabilities. The world is not peaceful at present, with surging unilateralism and protectionism. The CPC is willing to strengthen strategic communication and coordination with the ZANU-PF to promote a more just and reasonable international order.
Daniel Chapo, President of FRELIMO and President of Mozambique, Meets with Liu Jianchao
Johannesburg, July 27th (IDCPC) — Daniel Chapo, President of FRELIMO and President of Mozambique, met here today with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Chapo said, the friendship between Mozambique and China has a long history. Mozambique will always stand firmly with China and is willing to enhance bilateral and multilateral communication and coordination to jointly address the challenges brought about by the volatile international situation. He congratulated the CPC on its continuous growth and outstanding achievements in leading China’s development. He said that the FRELIMO and the CPC are good brothers and partners, hoping to strengthen high-level exchanges with the CPC, and deeply learn from China’s experience in reform and development to help the FRELIMO build itself into a stronger party, accelerate the country’s modernization process, and continuously improve people’s living standards.
Liu said, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China is willing to work with Mozambique to enhance the alignment of development strategies, raise the level of cooperation in various fields, and accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Liu said, the friendship between the CPC and the FRELIMO is the political foundation and unique advantage of China-Mozambique relations. In the new situation, the CPC is willing to strengthen political dialogue with the FRELIMO, deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as cadre training, enhance mutual understanding, and improve governance capabilities. Profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating in today’s world. China will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with the six Southern African liberation movements, including the FRELIMO, and other progressive forces around the world, join hands to resist risks, cope with challenges, and promote the common development of the Global South countries.
Liu Jianchao Meets with Mara Quiosa, Vice President of the MPLA
Johannesburg, July 26th (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Mara Quiosa, Vice President of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) on the sidelines of the Liberation Movements Summit 2025.
Liu congratulated Angola on the 50th anniversary of its independence and said that China and Angola are good friends, good partners and good brothers sharing sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith. In recent years, President Xi Jinping and President Joao Lourenco have met many times, reaching important consensus on and charting the course for the development of China-Angola relations in the new era. China is willing to follow the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, deepen political mutual trust, strengthen the alignment of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with Angola 2050 strategy, and further explore the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, infrastructure and mineral processing, to help Angola accelerate its independent development and bring more benefits to the people of both countries. China thanks Angola for its support in safeguarding China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will continue to firmly support Angola’s efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty, security and development interests. The world today is not peaceful, with protectionism, isolationism and unilateralism prevailing. China adheres to the path of peaceful development and is committed to maintaining the stability and smoothness of the global industrial and supply chains. China will inject stability, certainty and predictability into global development with its own development. China and Angola are both important members of the Global South. China is willing to work with Angola to promote the implementation of the ten partnership action plans in Africa, jointly advance the modernization process of China and Africa, and promote the unity and cooperation among Global South countries to enhance the international voice and influence of developing countries.
Liu said, the CPC is willing to work with the MPLA to implement the series of important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries on deepening inter-party exchanges and cooperation, maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, and closely cooperate in training cadres to jointly improve governance capacity and create a favorable environment for mutual benefit and win-win results between the two countries.
Quiosa said, Angola and China have enjoyed a long-standing friendship and close cooperation, with a solid and robust bilateral relationship. China is an important development partner of Angola. China has provided substantial assistance and support for Angola’s infrastructure development, and the in-depth cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, energy, water conservancy and other fields has effectively promoted Angola’s national development. More Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest in Angola. The MPLA hopes to further deepen friendly relations with the CPC, increase personnel exchanges between the two Parties, strengthen exchanges of ideas and concepts and cooperation in cadre training, and promote greater development of bilateral relations.
Liu Jianchao Meets with Mizengo Pinda, Member of the Central Committee of CCM and Former Prime Minister of Tanzania
Johannesburg, July 25th (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Mizengo Pinda, Member of the Central Committee of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and former Prime Minister of Tanzania during the Liberation Movements Summit 2025.
Liu said that the friendship between China and Tanzania is rooted in the fact that the older generation of leaders from the two countries shared weal and woe in the national liberation struggle, developed on the basis of mutual respect and trust in the pursuit of national rejuvenation, and grew stronger as both sides advanced together on the path of modernization. It has become a fine example of unity and cooperation among developing countries in seeking common development. China supports Tanzania in exploring a development path that suits its national conditions, safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests. China appreciates Tanzania’s firm support on the Taiwan question, issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and human rights. China and Tanzania both belong to the Global South and share a common vision for a just and equal world order. China is willing to, together with Tanzania, carry forward traditional friendship, enhance the alignment of the two countries’ development strategies, and implement the three major global initiatives, so as to make China-Tanzania relations a model for China-Africa relations and cooperation among developing countries, promote unity among Global South countries, and make greater contributions to upholding international fairness and justice and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Liu said, the CPC and the CCM share common ideals, enjoy deep friendship and maintain close cooperation. The CPC is willing to work with the CCM to implement the memorandum of understanding on exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties, enhance high-level exchanges and political dialogue, deepen exchanges of experience on governance issues of common concern such as poverty alleviation, anti-corruption and agricultural development, and continue to support the development of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School to jointly improve Party building of both sides and better serve the cause of governance and national development of both sides.
Pinda said, the friendship between Tanzania and China has withstood the test of international vicissitudes and remains unbreakable. Tanzania admires China’s remarkable development achievements and is deeply grateful for China’s strong support in development. China’s connectivity with its neighboring countries has made positive progress, effectively enhancing the level of cooperation between China and its neighbors, and benefiting various countries. Tanzania hopes to accelerate the renovation and upgrading of the TAZARA Railway with China to help improve regional trade and logistics efficiency for Tanzania and its neighboring countries. The CCM thanks the CPC for its support in the teaching and operation of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School and for helping the six Southern African liberation movements realize development aspirations. The CCM hopes to continue to strengthen exchanges with the CPC, learn from the CPC’s experience in the construction of Party schools and cadre training, and enhance the CCM’s leadership capacity to better achieve national development goals.
Liu Jianchao Meets with Jibril Rajoub, Secretary General of the Fatah Central Committee of Palestine
Johannesburg, July 26th (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Jibril Rajoub, Secretary General of the Fatah Central Committee of Palestine during the Liberation Movements Summit 2025.
Liu said, China highly values the traditional friendship between China and Palestine. No matter how the international situation changes, the two sides have always trusted and supported each other and are good friends, partners and brothers. The CPC attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with Fatah and is willing to deepen exchanges between the two Parties and promote the continuous development of the strategic partnership between China and Palestine.
Liu said, the Palestinian question is at the heart of the Middle East issue, and the two-State solution is the only realistic way to solve the Palestinian question. China firmly supports the just cause of the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate national rights, support Palestine’s bid for full United Nations (UN) membership, and supports the immediate realization of a sustained ceasefire in Gaza to effectively alleviate the humanitarian crisis. China is willing to work with the international community to continue to make unremitting efforts to promote an early, comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. China has always supported internal reconciliation in Palestine and believes that internal reconciliation in Palestine is an important step towards resolving the Palestinian question and achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. China sincerely hopes that Palestine will realize solidarity, unity and independent statehood at an early date.
Rajoub said, Fatah is proud of the deep friendship between Palestine and China and the long-term friendly cooperation with the CPC. He thanked China for its tremendous assistance to Palestine’s development over the years and its important contributions to promoting reconciliation among Palestinian factions, which has created positive conditions for Palestine to realize independent statehood and brought new hope to the Palestinian people. Palestine and Fatah are willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China and the CPC, and jointly defend international fairness and justice and maintain world peace and stability.
Liu Jianchao Meets with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the ANC of South Africa
Johannesburg, July 25th (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, on the sidelines of the Liberation Movements Summit 2025.
Liu said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Africa 27 years ago, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, treated each other as equals, and achieved win-win cooperation, setting a fine example of friendly exchanges and mutual assistance between China and African countries and Global South countries. President Xi Jinping and President Cyril Ramaphosa have met many times, elevating China-South Africa relations to an all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era, and reaching important consensus on jointly building a high-level China-South Africa community with a shared future, leading China-South Africa relations into a “golden era”. China is willing to work with South Africa to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, strengthen high-level strategic communication, firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, and elevate all-round cooperation between China and South Africa to new heights to better safeguard the strategic, security and development interests of the two countries.
Liu said, the CPC and the ANC are good comrades and brothers. Under the new circumstances, the CPC is willing to implement the memorandum of understanding on exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties, further deepen the institutionalized exchanges with the ANC, enhance high-level exchanges and political dialogue, strengthen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, promote practical cooperation between the two sides through inter-party channels, and provide a strong political guarantee for the continuous and healthy development of China-South Africa relations. In a world of changes and turmoil, the changes are still developing, while turmoil is becoming more prominent. The Liberation Movements Summit held in South Africa this time has sent out a strong message of progressive forces joining hands and opposing external interference. The CPC is willing to work with the ANC to make good use of mechanisms such as the BRICS Political Parties Plus Dialogue, strengthen unity and cooperation among Global South countries, jointly resist risks and address common challenges, and work for a more just and equitable international order.
Mbalula welcomed the CPC delegation led by Liu Jianchao for the Liberation Movements Summit. He said, South Africa appreciates the valuable support provided by China for South Africa’s national development over a long period of time. The world order is undergoing profound changes at present. South Africa adheres to a no-alliance policy and hopes to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international affairs and multilateral institutions such as BRICS and the G20, practice true multilateralism, promote the establishment of a new international order and a more just and reasonable global governance system that is beneficial to developing countries, and jointly safeguard the collective interests of Global South countries. The ANC and the CPC have forged deep sentiments through long-term exchanges, effectively promoting the common development and prosperity of the two countries. The ANC hopes to strengthen exchanges with the CPC in areas such as ideological work and cadre training, and promote practical cooperation in trade, investment, and other fields, so as to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples.
Wu Peng, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, was present.
Liu Jianchao Meets with Gwen Ramokgopa, ANC Treasurer-General of South Africa
Johannesburg, July 26th (IDCPC) — Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Gwen Ramokgopa, Treasurer-General of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, on the sidelines of the 2025 Liberation Movements Summit.
Liu congratulated the successful holding of the Liberation Movements Summit in South Africa. He said, in the face of a complex and volatile international situation, it is more necessary for the political parties from the Global South countries, including the CPC and the Former Liberation Movements of Southern Africa, to strengthen unity and cooperation, jointly address global challenges, and promote the establishment of a more just and reasonable international order. The CPC values its friendly relations with the ANC and will continue to stand firmly with the ANC, implement the memorandum of understanding on exchanges and cooperation between the two Parties, deepen exchanges of experience in state governance and administration, and promote practical cooperation in agriculture, mining and real estate through the “political party +” channel to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
Ramokgopa said, the world is facing severe and complex challenges in geopolitics. The holding of the Liberation Movements Summit is conducive to uniting the progressive forces of the Global South, practicing true multilateralism, and maintaining international fairness and justice. South Africa firmly adheres to the one-China principle. The ANC attaches great importance to its brotherly relations with the CPC, appreciates the great development achievements made by the CPC in leading China and its positive contributions to promoting world development. The ANC hopes to further expand the depth and breadth of exchanges between the two Parties, strengthen exchanges and mutual learning in areas such as anti-corruption and state administration, enhance governance capabilities of both sides, and promote economic and trade investment cooperation between the two sides through inter-party channels, so as to promote the common development of the two countries.
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