China and Africa Set to Deepen Cooperation at Upcoming Summit
In a press conference on Friday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong emphasized that now is the "right time" for China and Africa to deepen their cooperation, ahead of the upcoming China-Africa summit in Beijing next month.
Chen stressed that the meeting provides an opportunity for China and Africa to sound a "strong voice" for the Global South in the reform of global governance. He noted that the world is currently undergoing a period of significant change, with a once-in-a-century transformation accelerating global events.
"Africa is experiencing a new awakening, actively promoting the process of unity, self-improvement, and integration," Chen said. "China and African countries are both important members of the Global South, and we must work together to shape the future of global governance."
Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 5th, where he will deliver a keynote speech and announce a new package of aid to Africa. The summit will bring together representatives from 53 African countries that are members of the FOCAC, marking the fourth such gathering since 2006.
As a key player in Africa, China is the continent’s largest trading partner and a significant source of investment. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a flagship project of Xi’s administration, also has a significant presence in Africa.
The upcoming summit is expected to further strengthen the partnership between China and Africa, with both sides looking to deepen their cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and infrastructure development.
Additional sources: AP
