China's zero-tariff policy to African countries further expand opening-up: official

China will, starting Friday, implement a zero-tariff policy for all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, a major step reflecting the country's firm commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up, an official with the Ministry of Commerce said.

Since Dec. 1, 2024, China has already granted zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for 33 least developed African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties.

The zero-tariff measure will cover the other 20 African countries that are not classified as least developed. It will be implemented through preferential tariff rates for two years.

With the latest measure, China has become the world's first major economy to unilaterally grant comprehensive zero-tariff treatment to all African countries and all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

"The zero-tariff measures effective from May 1 is an innovative arrangement introduced during negotiations on an economic partnership agreement for shared development between China and African countries that are not least developed countries. It's a phased and pioneering arrangement aimed at responding to the practical difficulties faced by some African countries in completing negotiations with China within a short period of time, China will continue to advance negotiations on the economic partnership agreement for shared development with African countries so that they can enjoy long-term, stable and institutionalized zero-tariff treatment," said Chen Yusong, deputy director of the WTO Department under the ministry.

The ministry will work with relevant departments to ensure the effective implementation of the zero-tariff measure, the official said, adding that China will continue to negotiate and sign economic partnership agreements for shared development with African countries to reach mutually beneficial arrangements and provide institutional guarantees for the development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

China's zero-tariff policy to African countries further expand opening-up: official

Naval and air units of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Southern Theater Command (STC) conducted combat readiness patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of China's Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas on Thursday.

Huangyan Dao is an inherent part of China's territory. The STC says it has enhanced readiness patrols in the territorial sea and airspace of Huangyan Dao and its surrounding areas since the beginning of April.

Such patrols serve as an effective countermeasure to prevent all sorts of rights-violation and provocative acts, said the STC, adding that their mission is to resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea.

A video released Thursday by the STC shows naval and air units coordinate to locate and track a target.

Chinese naval, air forces patrol Huangyan Dao