Xi Jinping Outlines Vision for a New Era of China-Africa Cooperation

On September 5, 2024, in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The speech, titled “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future,” emphasized a vision of deeper partnership and collaboration between China and Africa. President Xi highlighted a new era of strategic relations, aiming to foster mutual development and modernization while addressing global challenges together.

A Deepening China-Africa Friendship

President Xi began by celebrating the long-standing friendship between China and Africa, noting that their cooperation, which began with the founding of FOCAC in 2000, has reached new heights. He expressed pride in the achievements made over the past 24 years and praised the partnership’s resilience in the face of global challenges.

The President described the China-Africa relationship as an exemplary model of international relations, characterized by mutual support and shared goals. He proposed elevating China-Africa relations to the level of “all-weather strategic relations,” fostering a community with a shared future in the new era.

A Call for Equitable Modernization

Central to President Xi’s speech was a call for a new approach to modernization—one that is just, equitable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. He stressed that modernization should not replicate the Western model, which has historically caused suffering to developing nations. Instead, it should empower countries to pursue development paths that suit their unique national conditions.

Xi highlighted several pillars for this new model of modernization:

1. Joint Advancement of Equitable Modernization: Xi emphasized the importance of each country following its path to modernization while respecting its national realities. He offered China’s support in sharing governance experiences and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
2. Promotion of Win-Win Cooperation: He proposed deepening China-Africa cooperation in areas such as industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment. High-quality projects under the Belt and Road and Global Development Initiative were highlighted as successful cooperation models.
3. Modernization that Puts People First: Xi underscored that the ultimate goal of modernization is the development of human beings. He pledged to work with Africa to reduce poverty, improve employment, and enhance the well-being of citizens.
4. Diversity and Inclusiveness: Acknowledging the importance of cultural diversity, Xi called for mutual respect and inclusiveness in modernization efforts. He highlighted the importance of cultural exchanges and mutual learning to create a more harmonious world.
5. Eco-Friendly Modernization: Xi underscored the need for a green approach to development, proposing cooperation on green technologies and low-carbon development. He pledged China’s support in building “green growth engines” across Africa.
6. Peace and Security: Recognizing that modernization is impossible without a stable environment, Xi committed to helping Africa build its capacity to maintain peace and security independently.

Ten Partnership Actions for the Next Three Years

To actualize this vision, President Xi announced ten strategic partnership actions to be implemented over the next three years, aimed at fostering deeper China-Africa cooperation:

1. Mutual Learning Among Civilizations: Establishing platforms for governance experience sharing, and creating knowledge networks for development.
2. Trade Prosperity: Opening China’s markets wider to African products and enhancing trade opportunities for African countries.
3. Industrial Chain Cooperation: Fostering industry growth clusters and empowering African SMEs with new technologies and investments.
4. Connectivity Projects: Launching infrastructure projects to improve land-sea links and support the African Continental Free Trade Area.
5. Development Cooperation: Supporting 1,000 livelihood projects and helping Africa host international sports events.
6. Health Partnership: Establishing a hospital alliance and sending medical personnel to Africa.
7. Agriculture and Livelihoods: Providing food assistance, building agricultural demonstration areas, and creating jobs in Africa.
8. People-to-People Exchanges: Enhancing cultural and educational exchanges and launching vocational education programs.
9. Green Development: Supporting clean energy projects and cooperation in disaster prevention and biodiversity conservation.
10. Common Security: Strengthening military and security cooperation, including training programs and joint exercises.

Financial Support and Strategic Investments

China will provide RMB 360 billion in financial support over the next three years to implement these actions. This will include credit lines, various forms of assistance, and direct investments by Chinese companies in Africa. China will also encourage Africa to issue “panda bonds” to strengthen financial cooperation further.

A Shared Path to a Better Future

President Xi concluded by invoking an African proverb: “A friend is someone you share the path with.” He expressed confidence that by working together, China and Africa could lead the modernization of the Global South and build a brighter future characterized by peace, prosperity, and progress for all.

The speech underscored China’s commitment to a robust and equitable partnership with Africa, highlighting that the future of both regions—and indeed the world—depends on shared progress and cooperation.