In a landmark address to African leaders at the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese President, Xi Jinping announced a major upgrade in China’s relations with Africa.
Xi proposed elevating ties with all African nations having diplomatic relations with China to a “strategic” level, paving the way for unprecedented cooperation.
“China will unilaterally open its market wider, offering zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to all Least Developed Countries, including 33 in Africa,” Xi declared.
This move is expected to significantly boost African exports and reduce the trade deficit.
Xi praised the China-Africa relationship as being “at its best in history” after nearly 70 years of development. He committed to enhancing overall ties to create “an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”
To achieve this vision, Xi outlined ten action plans focused on industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and market access.
He also pledged RMB360 billion yuan in financial support and announced measures to advance China’s Global Security Initiative, including military assistance, training, and cooperation.
