China and Africa to Deepen Cooperation at Upcoming Summit

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong announced on Friday that now is “the right time” to deepen cooperation between China and Africa, ahead of the upcoming China-Africa summit in Beijing next month.

Speaking at a press conference, Chen emphasized the importance of the meeting for amplifying the voice of the Global South in the reform of global governance. “Currently, a once-in-a-century change is accelerating and the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation,” said Chen. “China and African countries are both important members of the Global South, and Africa is experiencing a new awakening by actively promoting the process of unity, self-improvement, and integration,” he added.

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will commence on September 5th, with Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the opening ceremony. Xi is expected to deliver a keynote speech and announce a new package of aid to Africa, according to Chen.

Representatives from 53 African countries, all members of FOCAC, will participate in the three-day summit. This will be the fourth summit since the forum’s inception in 2006.

China, as Africa’s largest trading partner and a significant source of investment, continues to play a pivotal role in the continent’s development. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a cornerstone of Xi’s foreign policy, also prominently features Africa as a key region for infrastructure and economic projects.

The summit is anticipated to further solidify the strategic partnership between China and Africa, fostering greater economic cooperation and mutual development.

Mimi Mefo Info