By Michael Andisile Mayalo
President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 5, 2024, stands as a testament to China’s unwavering commitment to strengthening its relationship with Africa.
Delivered to a distinguished assembly of global officials and dignitaries, President Xi’s speech unveiled a transformative vision for the China-Africa partnership, one marked by modernisation, mutual benefits, and shared prosperity. This visionary approach is poised to reshape the dynamics of international cooperation in the Global South, and it deserves recognition for its ambitious scope and promising potential.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
President Xi’s speech opens with a commendation of the deep-rooted friendship between China and Africa, underscoring the historical ties that have evolved since the inception of FOCAC in 2000. His proposal to elevate this relationship to a “strategic” level and establish an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future signals a profound commitment to advancing bilateral ties beyond mere rhetoric. This strategic elevation reflects China’s intention to construct a more stable, predictable framework for cooperation, one capable of weathering the fluctuations of global changes.
The concept of an all-weather community exemplifies China’s dedication to enduring, resilient cooperation. It represents a commitment not just to the immediate benefits of the partnership but also to tackling long-term challenges and seizing opportunities. This vision fosters a robust and lasting alliance, indicative of China’s resolve to nurture a relationship that stands the test of time and fluctuating global circumstances.
Modernization as a Shared Goal
A central theme in President Xi’s address is the notion of modernization. He advocates for a model that is equitable, just, and tailored to the specific needs of developing countries, deviating from traditional Western approaches that have often imposed challenges and inequities on the Global South. By aligning with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and China’s own developmental trajectory, Xi envisions a collaborative modernisation effort that honours local contexts and promotes inclusive growth.
This emphasis on shared modernization highlights a cooperative approach to development. It suggests that China and Africa can co-create a framework that not only meets their distinct needs but also contributes to a more inclusive global development narrative. Such a vision aims to rectify historical injustices and offers a balanced, respectful approach to progress, moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions often characteristic of Western models.
Initiatives and Financial Commitments
President Xi’s speech delineates ten “partnership actions” designed to bolster Sino-African cooperation across various sectors. These initiatives encompass governance, market access, industrial growth, health, agriculture, green development, and security. Each initiative is a targeted effort to address specific needs and harness opportunities within the China-Africa partnership.
The financial commitments outlined are both substantial and significant. A total of RMB360 billion yuan will be allocated over the next three years, including RMB210 billion yuan in credit lines, RMB80 billion yuan in assistance, and at least RMB70 billion yuan in investments by Chinese companies in Africa. This financial backing underscores China’s serious commitment to Africa’s development and aligns with its broader strategic interests.
These investments not only support infrastructure and industrial growth but also emphasise health and green development. This comprehensive approach to addressing diverse challenges reflects China’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits and enhancing the impact of Sino-African cooperation. It signifies a long-term, stable investment in the partnership, aiming to foster a mutually beneficial relationship that can drive significant progress.
Implications for Global Development
President Xi’s address extends beyond bilateral relations, reflecting China’s broader geopolitical strategy. By positioning itself as a leader in the Global South and advocating for a development model that challenges traditional Western norms, China aims to redefine global development narratives. The focus on equitable modernisation, mutual benefits, and sustainability aligns with China’s goals under the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative.
This positioning underscores China’s ambition to play a pivotal role in shaping future global development trajectories. By promoting a model that prioritises local conditions and fosters collaborative growth, China seeks to influence global approaches to development and cooperation. This vision establishes China as a key player in redefining international development strategies, offering an alternative narrative to the prevailing Western-centric models.
A Hopeful Future for Africa
The Keynote address instills hope for South Africans and Africans by offering a promising vision of economic empowerment, President Xi’s keynote at the FOCAC Summit represents a significant and hopeful milestone in the China-Africa relationship. The comprehensive initiatives outlined in his speech offer transformative opportunities for our continent’s future.
As China and Africa embark on this collaborative journey, the effectiveness of these efforts will hinge on their ability to deliver on promises, navigate complex international dynamics, and foster a relationship that truly benefits both sides.
President Xi Jinping’s address at the FOCAC Summit is a landmark moment in Sino-African relations. By proposing a strategic enhancement of the partnership and detailing a range of initiatives and financial commitments, President Xi envisions a collaborative path towards modernisation that has the potential to redefine development approaches in the Global South. This vision, if realised, could pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for Africa, showcasing China’s commitment to a balanced and respectful approach to international cooperation.
* Michael Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst and political commentator.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.