Chinese Foreign Minister Holds Diplomatic Talks with African Envoys in Beijing

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a significant meeting on Monday with over fifty African diplomatic envoys in Beijing, marking the joint celebration of Africa Day. The event gathered ambassadors and charge d'affaires representing virtually all African countries with embassies in China, as well as officials from the African Union’s China office.

During his address, Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that under President Xi Jinping, China’s approach to Africa has been shaped by principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith. He emphasized that China’s relations with African states are now recognized as a strategic partnership, and bilateral engagement has reached an all-time high.

Wang detailed the ongoing transformation in China-Africa relations, describing them as an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.” He credited this development to consistent top-level exchanges, including President Xi’s five visits to Africa since taking office, and the elevation of diplomatic ties to unprecedented levels.

He also referenced last year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, where President Xi proposed six key initiatives and ten partnership actions aimed at accelerating modernization and deepening cooperation across sectors. These proposals were designed to promote both sides’ development and ensure shared prosperity.

Wang Yi noted that the upcoming ministerial meeting for FOCAC coordinators would serve as a vital platform to implement summit outcomes. He reaffirmed China’s readiness to set new benchmarks for high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperation and to further advance the Global Development Initiative, with a view to accelerating comprehensive modernization across Africa and China alike.

Emphasizing the importance of solidarity amid global uncertainty, Wang said, “The more turbulent the international situation, the more China and Africa must strengthen unity and cooperation.” He called on both parties to oppose power politics, stand firm in support of multilateralism, and safeguard the United Nations-centered international order. Additionally, Wang reiterated China’s support for liberalized and facilitated trade and investment, underlining mutual benefit as a guiding principle.

In response, African envoys expressed strong appreciation for the global initiatives and partnership actions advanced by President Xi. They voiced confidence in the prospects of Africa-China cooperation and pledged to deepen alignment with China’s development strategies.

The envoys reaffirmed their support for the one-China principle and pledged backing for China’s sovereignty and efforts at national reunification. They also committed to resisting external interference in China’s internal affairs and to defending the core tenets of the UN Charter. The African representatives concluded by stating their intent to enhance collaboration with China to protect the interests of the Global South on the world stage.