Many African leaders gathered in Beijing for a summit aimed at strengthening China’s influence in the continent and fostering ties that could act as a counterbalance to the U.S.-led global order. President Xi Jinping pledged billions of dollars in loans and private investments over the next three years to the attending leaders. He also proposed elevating relations with all African countries that have diplomatic relations with China to a “strategic” level. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation highlighted the mutual understanding and support between China and Africa, setting an example for a new kind of international relations.
China’s involvement in Africa has increased significantly since the establishment of the forum in 2000. Chinese companies have made substantial investments in mining to secure resources essential for Chinese industries, while development banks have provided loans for infrastructure projects like railways and roads under Xi’s Belt and Road initiative. African leaders appreciate China’s support but are now emphasizing aligning aid more closely with the continent’s development objectives, including industrialization and boosting agricultural exports to address the trade deficit with China.
President Xi outlined ten “partnership actions,” including training programs for African politicians and future leaders, further opening of the Chinese market, initiatives for agriculture, vocational and technical training, green energy projects, and financial support for military assistance. The focus is shifting beyond trade and investment to encompass political dimensions as China seeks allies in Africa and other developing regions in its competition with the United States to influence global economic norms and international interactions.
Xi also announced the elimination of tariffs on products from the world’s poorest countries, including 33 in Africa, expanding current tariff exemptions. The evolving relationship between China and Africa reflects a broader narrative on modernization and historical injustices. Xi emphasized the right of all countries to modernize but criticized the Western approach, which he believes has harmed many developing nations. He highlighted the efforts of China and African countries in addressing the historical injustices of the modernization process since the end of World War II.
