Expert insights on China-Africa's all-weather strategic partnership

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is being held in Beijing from Wednesday to Friday. Leaders from China and over 50 African countries, as well as representatives from African regional and international organizations, have gathered in the Chinese capital. 

What do experts make of the summit so far?

China's vision for enhanced cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 FOCAC summit.

During the speech, President Xi underscored the spirit of "sincerity, real results, amity and good faith" that characterizes China's relationship with Africa. He proposed that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to "an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era."

Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, emphasized to CGTN that true independence for Africa involves more than just political or economic autonomy; it requires genuine self-determination, and then we can build "a community with a shared future for mankind."

Wang highlighted that Africa's most urgent needs center around concrete aspects such as employment issues, industrialization, agricultural modernization, and digital and green transformation. He gave the example that while the European Union has provided substantial aid to Africa in the past, it failed to significantly impact economic development and instead focused on promoting normative standards.

China first established an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with Pakistan, later extending it to Belarus, and now this model is becoming increasingly widespread, Wang said. "For the first time in history, the African continent is entering into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China."

"This term signifies a commitment to long-term mutual trust and stability, regardless of global uncertainties or major changes. It means that Africa and China will not be swayed by temporary difficulties or global shifts and will maintain their cooperative relationship without taking side or letting short-term issues impact their overall partnership."

New focus areas in China-Africa cooperation

China and Africa aim to work to build a more dynamic and high-level community with a shared future. Such a "high-level" approach extends beyond traditional economic and trade relations, investment and cooperation to include digital and green transformation, Wang told CGTN.

"China aims to share its latest advancements in digital utilization with Africa, integrating these innovations into the continent. At the same time, China will continue to lead in digital industrial civilization and work collaboratively with Africa for mutual progress."

Sun Hong, an associate researcher at the Institute of African Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told China Media Group (CMG) that to elevate China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, modernization should be the focus. This involves upgrading traditional infrastructure, creating economic corridor-style transportation networks and integrating infrastructure with industry.

New growth areas should also be explored, such as enhancing digital economy cooperation and cross-border e-commerce, she said.

The series of bilateral meetings held in Beijing this week have featured proposals, including increasing the import of African agricultural products, like sesame and peanuts from Chad, peanuts from Malawi and avocados from Zimbabwe, which are expected to appear on Chinese consumers' tables in the future, Sun said.

A new type of international relations

President Xi's address also highlighted that China-Africa relations are "setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations."

Wang said Chinese modernization offers the most valuable experience and can be effectively shared with Africa. He highlighted that China's development approaches – emphasizing infrastructure development as a prerequisite for wealth, non-interference in domestic affairs, openness and inclusivity and shared destiny – have reassured Africa and set an example for the world.

Jainaba Sonko, a DTV anchor from The Gambia, praised the Chinese government's non-interference in African politics and governance.

"For me, one thing I truly admire about China-Africa cooperation is that the Chinese government does not interfere in our politics, governance or how we rule country. Our sovereignty is guaranteed with China-Africa cooperation," she told CGTN.

"I've seen a lot of exchanges where Gambians come to China, and I would like to see more Chinese visiting The Gambia."