China-Africa friendship will stand test of time despite global uncertainties: Xi

The China-Africa friendship has remained robust and is growing stronger through generations no matter how the world changes, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday at a welcome banquet ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.

Attending the banquet at the Great Hall of the People were 51 African heads of state, heads of government and their spouses, two presidential representatives, the Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

In his address, Xi extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests on behalf of the Chinese government and people.

"All our meetings have been cordial and heartwarming. They have reinforced my belief that the China-Africa community with a shared future is built on a strong foundation, has been blessed with a good start, and enjoys broad prospects. It sets a stellar example for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in our traditional friendship. Since the mid-20th century, we have been fighting shoulder to shoulder imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, and advancing hand in hand along the path of development, revitalization, and modernization. China-Africa friendship remains robust and is growing stronger through generations no matter how the world changes," Xi said.

Scheduled to take place from Wednesday to Friday, the FOCAC summit is the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, with the highest attendance of foreign leaders.

Themed "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future," the three-day event aims to strengthen friendships and outline future cooperation between the two sides.

Xi is set to deliver a keynote speech at Thursday's opening ceremony.

China-Africa friendship will stand test of time despite global uncertainties: Xi

China-Africa friendship will stand test of time despite global uncertainties: Xi

China-Africa friendship will stand test of time despite global uncertainties: Xi

China-Africa friendship will stand test of time despite global uncertainties: Xi

China is set to roll out new policies to safeguard small and medium-sized investors as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the capital market, according to the country's top economic planner.

Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, highlighted a systematic approach to implementing a package of incremental policies designed to enhance economic growth and improve structural quality at a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

Among the key initiatives is the introduction of measures specifically designed to protect investors.

"Efforts are made to revitalize the capital market. Departments concerned will take strong and effective comprehensive measures to guide medium- and long-term capital into the market, address difficulties blocking the entry of funds from social security, insurance, and wealth management into the market, support mergers and acquisitions among listed companies, and steadily promote the public fund reforms. We will also study and roll out policies aimed at protecting small and medium-sized investors. Currently, steps are quickened to roll out these policies," Zheng said.

China to take measures protecting small, medium-sized investors