Editor's note: With a doctoral degree in communications from the Communication University of China, Dr. Summer has been working in the field of international journalism for 30 years. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the view of CGTN.
Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined his vision and mission for the China-Africa community with a shared future during his keynote speech at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation which opened Monday in Beijing.
With the theme of "China and Africa: Toward an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future through Win-Win Cooperation," the two-day summit aims to intensify the China-Africa win-win partnership, further dovetail the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with development strategies of different African countries and set a new path for global governance.
In his speech, President Xi also announced detailed initiatives and measures to strengthen the China-Africa cooperation.
This is of special significance because the China-Africa cooperation will not only boost the political, economic and social developments in the world's largest developing country and the largest continent of developing countries, but will also serve as a model for building a community of shared future for mankind.
On September 3, 2018, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held its opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People. /VCG Photo.
President Xi expressed his belief that Africa has a great potential and that the China-Africa cooperation enjoys a bright future as China and African countries have similar past experiences while undertaking the same missions of national development and rejuvenation.
He pointed out that the China-Africa cooperation enjoys a good momentum because China has always upheld the four principles of sincerity and equality, justice and benefit, people-oriented and high efficiency as well as openness and inclusiveness in promoting bilateral relations.
President Xi said that deepening trends of political polarization, economic globalization, social informationization and cultural diversity have resulted in faster changes in the international order and global governance mechanism. Rapid growth in emerging markets and developing countries have also changed the status quo of international forces. However, peace and development are the theme and the call of the times. Under such circumstances, President Xi outlined China’s development strategy:
– China takes as its mission to make new and greater contributions to mankind.
– China is ready to work with international partners to undertake the Belt and Road Initiative, turning it into a new platform for international cooperation.
– China will take an active role in global governance and stay committed to the vision of consultation, cooperation and benefit for all in global governance.
On September 3, 2018, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held its opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People. /VCG Photo.
– China will remain committed to its reform and opening up policies.
During his speech, President Xi discussed tasks for the China-Africa community of shared future:
– Bearing the responsibilities in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
– Striving for win-win cooperation in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
– Delivering benefits to all in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
– Promoting different cultures in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
– Safeguarding common security in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
– Building an eco-friendly world in building a China-Africa community with a shared future.
On September 3, 2018, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held its opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People. /VCG Photo.
President Xi announced detailed initiatives and measures China will take during the coming three years in order to implement the 10 China-Africa Cooperation Plans.
– On industrial promotion, a China-Africa economic and trade expo will be set up in China and Chinese companies are encouraged to increase investment in Africa. China will carry out 50 agricultural assistance programs, provide emergency humanitarian food aid amounting to 1 billion yuan (147 million US dollars) to African countries affected by natural disasters, and send 500 senior agricultural experts to Africa.
– On infrastructure connectivity, China will work with the African Union to formulate a China-Africa infrastructure cooperation plan and support Chinese companies in taking part in Africa's infrastructure development by way of investment-construction-operation or through other models.
– On trade facilitation, China will increase imports, especially non-resource products, from Africa and support African countries in participating in China International Import Expo.
Decorations on a street in Beijing to celebrate the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. /VCG Photo.
– On green development, China will undertake 50 aid projects on green development, and ecological and environmental protection, with a focus on climate change, ocean, desertification prevention and control, and wildlife protection.
– On capacity building, China will set up 10 Luban Workshops in Africa to offer vocational training for young Africans. China will also train 1,000 high-caliber Africans, provide Africa with 50,000 government scholarships, sponsor seminar and workshop opportunities for 50,000 Africans, and invite 2,000 African youths to visit China for exchanges.
– On health care, China will upgrade 50 medical and health aid programs for Africa, with a focus on flagship projects such as the headquarters of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention and China-Africa Friendship Hospitals.
Flowers decorate a street in Beijing during the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. /VCG Photo.
– On people-to-people exchanges, China will set up an institute of African studies and enhance exchanges with Africa on civilization. China welcomes Africa's participation in the Silk Road International League of Theaters, the Silk Road International Museum Alliance and the Network of Silk Road Art Festivals.
– On peace and security, China will set up a China-Africa peace and security fund and continue providing free military aid to the African Union. A total of 50 security assistance programs will be carried out in the fields including UN peacekeeping missions, fighting piracy, and combating terrorism.
According to the Chinese president, China will provide interest-free loans and special funds to help Africa alleviate poverty, increase employment and income, and improve the lives of its people. He believes that with joint efforts from both sides, especially with the participation of the young people, the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and the African Dream of unity and revival will be realized.