12 Sep 2024

The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) which  took place from September 4 to 6, was attended by  53 African nations that maintain diplomatic relations with China, along with the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and representatives from over 30 international and regional organisations.

Ambassador Fan Yong said a key highlight of the summit was the elevation of bilateral relations between China and African countries to the status of strategic relations. During the summit, President Xi Jinping declared that the overall characterisation of China-Africa relations has been upgraded to an ‘all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.’ 

This milestone is attributed to nearly 70 years of concerted efforts in fostering China/Africa ties, which are now said to be the strongest they have ever been in history. 

Additionally, President Xi articulated a  ‘six-point proposition’ aimed at advancing joint modernisation. This proposal, President XI said emphasised the need for modernisation that was just, equitable, and open. It advocate for people-centric approaches, diversity, eco-friendliness, and the reinforcement of peace and security. Also, he said  the proposition had garnered wide acceptance among African leaders and is seen as a political consensus between China and Africa.

Ambassador Fan said the summit also featured the introduction of ‘10 partnership actions,’ aimed at enhancing cooperation over the next three years. The leaders adopted a Beijing Declaration and Action Plan designed to strengthen China-Africa collaboration in numerous spheres, including mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial cooperation, connectivity, health, agriculture, and green development. 

In a promise to back these partnership actions, President Xi announced that the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion in financial support over the next three years. This package includes RMB210 billion in credit, RMB80 billion in various forms of assistance, and at least RMB70 billion in investments from Chinese companies in Africa.

 President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi led a delegation to the summit and engaged in discussions with President Xi. The two leaders exchanged views on the longstanding friendship and pragmatic cooperation between their nations, setting a strategic partnership that marks a new milestone in China-Botswana relations. ENDS