China stands ready to serve as a booster for Africa's development and revitalization, and invites all African countries to get on board the express train of its development to jointly achieve modernization, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluded his six-day visit to the AU headquarters, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho on Monday, marking the 36th consecutive year that China's foreign minister had chosen Africa as the first overseas destination of the new year.
At a regular press briefing in Beijing, spokeswoman Mao Ning underscored the symbolic and strategic significance of this long-standing diplomatic tradition.
"As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, this marks the 36th consecutive year that China's foreign minister has chosen Africa for their first overseas destination of the new year, a testament to the profound friendship between the Chinese and African peoples, reflecting both steadfast commitment and a cherished diplomatic tradition. While some describe Africa as a 'forgotten' continent, China sees it as a land full of hope, and chooses Africa as the first stop of its annual diplomatic calendar. The principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, put forward by President Xi Jinping, has always guided China's cooperation with Africa, with sincerity and equality forming the bedrock of China-Africa exchanges. China and Africa are good partners who can trust and empathize with each other," said Mao.
"During the trip, Foreign Minister Wang Yi introduced the recommendations for China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), adopted at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. He emphasized that the plan not only charts a blueprint for China's future development, but also serves as an 'opportunity list' for countries around the world, including those in Africa. Wang stressed that China will continue to be an engine of global economic growth, and stands ready to act as a booster for Africa's development and revitalization," she said.
China previously announced that it will implement zero-tariff treatment for all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, a move Mao described as a 'golden calling card' of China-Africa cooperation in the new era.
"The term most frequently mentioned by African officials was 'zero-tariff'. This measure is a 'golden name card' of China-Africa cooperation in the new era and represents a major step in China's proactive expansion of unilateral opening-up. It demonstrates China's willingness to shoulder greater international obligations and its firm commitment to advancing high-standard opening-up. China's vast market will truly become a great opportunity for Africa. We welcome all African countries to board the express train of China's development to jointly achieve modernization," said the spokeswoman.
China ready to serve as booster for Africa's development, revitalization: spokeswoman
China ready to serve as booster for Africa's development, revitalization: spokeswoman
