Chinese official calls for global support in Africa’s pursuit of self-reliance
The Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- Mr Wang noted that the relationship between China and Africa has never been stronger, describing it as a partnership built on mutual trust, friendship, and a shared future, a statement released yesterday by the Chinese ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.
Dar es Salaam. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called on the international community to support Africa in exploring a new development path focused on self-reliance and self-strengthening.
Mr Wang noted that the relationship between China and Africa has never been stronger, describing it as a partnership built on mutual trust, friendship, and a shared future, a statement released yesterday by the Chinese ministry of Foreign Affairs, said.
He further noted that under the leadership of both President Xi Jinping and African leaders, the relationship has reached its highest point in history.
“China has established strategic partnerships with all African nations that have diplomatic ties with it, elevating the China-Africa community to an "all-weather" level,” he noted.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Minister Wang highlighted China's significant contributions to Africa's infrastructure development, including the construction or upgrading of nearly 100,000 kilometres of roads and more than 10,000 kilometres of railways.
“In the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises have created over 1.1 million new jobs in Africa. China has been Africa's largest trade partner for 16 consecutive years,” he said.
Wang also shared personal stories of the impact of this partnership.
He recalled how a Gambian farmer sent a bag of rice he grew to Hunan Province in China as a tribute to Yuan Longping, the father of hybrid rice.
He noted that China’s hybrid rice technology has helped combat hunger and brought hope to many African communities.
Looking ahead, Wang described Africa as the “fertile land of hope of the 21st century” and emphasized that the world cannot achieve modernization without Africa’s involvement.
He called on the international community to support Africa’s development and address its concerns.
“Africa is undergoing a new awakening,” Wang said.
He continued: “It is crucial for countries to help Africa explore a path focused on self-reliance and self-strengthening. The world must unite to ensure a prosperous future for Africa, as its development is key to global progress.”
