History tells us China never tried to exploit Africa or African resources. China was among the first nations to visit Africa in 15 Century, even before the discovery of America. China was a prosperous country at that point in time, full of resources and power. However, it did not invade the continent, kill or enslave the locals. China returned with only giraffes, not slaves or gold. China is carrying the legacy in modern days.
China’s commitment to Africa is evident in it extensive network of embassies and development work across the continent. It has established diplomatic relations with 53 African countries. From 2000 to 2022, it extended $134.1 billion in loans and development assistance to African countries.
This assistance was not accompanied by lectures or strings on democracy or development models. Instead, it was tailored to support Africa’s own development agenda. This respectful approach has made China the continent’s largest trade partner with a total trade value of $282.1 billion in 2023.
On the other hand, Africa has shown great interest in joining Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to latest data, 52 countries and African Union have signed cooperation agreements with the BRI. Now, China is further enhancing its comprehensive partnership with Africa, which was discussed at the latest Forum on China-Africa Cooperation 2024 in Beijing.
President Xi Jinping delivered a comprehensive speech outlining future cooperation between China and Africa. He appreciated the history of bilateral relations and the progress of relationship. He was convinced China-Africa relationship is at its best in history. He announced multiple programmes and initiatives and proposed ten partnership action plans to strengthen bilateral linkages while delivering a speech at China-Africa Cooperation Summit 2024.
The action plans cover the areas of mutual learning among civilisations, trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development and common security. These plans are designed to be inclusive and respect diversity in terms of governance systems, cultures and preferences, ensuring all African nations are considered and respected in the partnership.
Analysis of President Xi’s speech indicates China will strive to achieve two goals: 1) joint modernisation of China-Africa and 2) building a community with a shared future. He deems China-Africa modernisation is essential for global modernisation, as both make up almost one-third of the world. Thus, China will work with its African counterparts and the African Union to pursue the modernisation agenda.
However, modernisation will be achieved by respecting dignity and sovereignty of both parties. In collaboration with African countries, China will strive to devise a win-win formula for modernisation that must cater to the needs of both partners. All efforts will be made to develop an equitable, fair and mutually beneficial cooperation framework.
Inclusivity and respect for diversity in terms of governance systems, cultures and preferences will be guiding principles for bilateral cooperation. Besides, China-Africa will work together to chalk a way for a green transition without compromising on the needs of society and people. The most important element of all cooperation agreements and frameworks for modernisation drive would be to serve the people’s interests. Thus, all interventions would be people-centric and contribute to the welfare of people.
President Xi always walks the talk.
He announced several initiatives to achieve the modernisation drive’s objectives and ten partnership actions. For mutual learning, 1000 parliamentarians will be invited to visit China, interact with Party members and observe Chinese governance system. Moreover, 25 China-Africa study centres will be established. To ensure the prosperity and well-being of people, China will offer 33 LDC countries in Africa zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines.
China will launch an “African SMEs Empowerment Programme” to enhance Africa’s industrial capacity. Moreover, digital technology cooperation will be strengthened and 20 digital demonstration projects will be implemented in Africa.
China will assist Africa in modernising agriculture sector, enhancing food security and improving well-being of people. It will provide 1 billion yuan for food assistance and agriculture development. China will fund and implement 500 programmes in Africa to promote community welfare. Moreover, 500 agriculture experts will be sent to Africa to assist local scientists and community.
China will implement 30 clean energy projects to promote green development. It will also contribute to developing R&D system and establish together 30 joint laboratories in Africa.
China will generously contribute to strengthening Africa’s security apparatus and system by adhering to principle of non-interference. President Xi announced China would provide 1 billion yuan for security purposes. It will also contribute to building capacity of its African counterparts. It will train 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 policemen and invite 500 army officers to visit China.
President Xi knows announcing ten partnership actions without concrete financing has no meaning. China will allocate 360 billion yuan ($50 billion) to implement the actions. The breakdown indicates RMB210 billion yuan will be available as a credit line, 80 billion will be used for assistance in various forms, and Chinese companies will invest at least RMB70 billion yuan in Africa. If we compare the announced amount with B3W or PGII amounts (only a million dollars), it shows China is serious in its commitments. It is not talking just for the sake of publicity stunt.
The analysis of ten partnership actions and a modernisation drive indicates these interventions will lead to creating a community with a shared future, which is in line with President Xi’s Thought. President Xi has constructed Thought to contribute to building a fair, rule-based, corruption-free, free of insecurities, eco-friendly and prosperous society through rule of law, equal opportunities, a balanced economy, high-quality development and people-centric governance. The goal is to create better, secure, equal and peaceful living conditions.
Thought recognised achieving these goals is impossible without sharing prosperity and dividends of peace at the global level. The distinguishing characteristic of President Xi’s Thought is it furthers idea of cosmopolitanism. It does not talk about China or China’s interest being a prime priority over others; rather it furthers idea of a community with a shared future.
In conclusion, President Xi’s speech proposed a way forward that can assist Africa in solving problems of poverty, food insecurity, health, etc. and pave the way for a peaceful, developed, future-oriented and prosperous society. China is ready to assist Africa with this endeavour, not only through talks or lectures, but also with concrete programmes and financing resources without any strings or lectures on governance, human rights, democracy, etc. The speech has been dubbed as a ray of hope for African people in the testing times.