Editor's Note: 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa — and the launch of the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges." As relations enter a new stage defined by trust, cooperation and shared development, how does the African Union (AU) view China's role in Africa's modernization and global governance? Why does people-to-people exchange matter more than ever at this moment? In this edition of Leaders Talk, CMG's Zou Yun sits down with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the African Union Commission, in his first exclusive media interview since taking office.