ABUJA – The Government of China on Wednesday emphasised the importance of partnership among countries, particularly those in the Global South, to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
It also stressed the need to implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative to achieve shared development goals.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China made the statement amid a meeting in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, aimed at advancing the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration.
This declaration focuses on building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.
The ministry noted that representatives from China, 53 African countries, and the African Union Commission reached a consensus at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to adopt the cooperation framework in Changsha.
They agreed that the rise of the Global South represented the future of development and called on all countries, especially those in the Global South, to work together in building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The ministry lauded the initiative of building an all-weather China-Africa community for its positive role in promoting solidarity, cooperation, and multilateralism among developing countries.
It condemned unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying, which had hindered economic and social development in Africa and other developing regions.
China urged all countries, especially the United States, to resolve trade disputes through equal and respectful consultation rather than tariffs and economic coercion.
It called for increased development assistance to African countries to support poverty reduction, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable growth.
Highlighting African countries’ commitment to sovereignty, equality, and justice, China reaffirmed its support for true multilateralism based on extensive consultation and shared benefits.
The ministry pledged to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South and promote a multipolar world founded on sincere friendship and equality.
China also expressed readiness to deepen cooperation through the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, including expanding zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, except Eswatini.
“The partnership will focus on green industry, e-commerce, technology, artificial intelligence, security, finance, and the rule of law to promote sustainable development.
“Finally, China and Africa plan to implement the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges to further strengthen solidarity across the Global South.”(NAN)
