China, Africa pledge stronger relationship

Amid rising global unilateralism and protectionism, China and Africa have reaffirmed decades of close relations, pledging to deepen cooperation and uphold solidarity on the basis of mutual respect.

"China and Africa are a community with a shared future and of mutual support," said Jiang Feng, head of China's mission to the African Union and representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. "We have always regarded Africa as a sincere friend and reliable partner."

He made the remarks on Tuesday at the opening of the inaugural China-Africa Entrepreneurs Summit at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Noting that this year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, Jiang said Beijing will further expand high-standard opening-up. "This brings us high anticipation for in-depth cooperation between Chinese and African businesses."

He also hailed "unprecedented opportunities" in bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with trade volume hitting a record $348 billion in 2025, a year-on-year increase of nearly 18 percent. Chinese firms are also the largest investors and leading contractors in infrastructure projects across many African countries.

"The African continent holds enormous development potential, and China's complete industrial chain possesses strong momentum," Jiang said, highlighting "incredibly broad" scope for cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, new energy, the digital economy, mining and finance.

He urged companies to make full use of bilateral trade and investment facilitation agreements, including China's zero-tariff policy, to explore new opportunities for cooperation.

As part of efforts to ease African exporters' access to its market, China will implement zero tariffs on all product categories from the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, effective May 1. "This will pave the way for turning the vast Chinese market into a great opportunity for high-quality African products," Jiang said.

Important role

Ethiopia's President Taye Atske Selassie, speaking at the event, praised China's important role in supporting development and transformation in his country and across the continent. He called for expanding cooperation beyond trade and investment to include joint technological research and development.

"We met at a time when geoeconomic uncertainty — characterized by unrestrained competition for strategic minerals — is driven by unbridled self-interest, sadly disregarding Africa's sustainable future," Selassie said.

"Within this reality, China and Africa are showcasing an exemplary commitment to rejuvenate such strategic imperatives."

In addition, he welcomed China's zero-tariff policy, saying it would accelerate Africa's export-led growth. "This is not only for China and Africa; this would immensely contribute to the wider world (at a time) when global trade faces severe supply chain challenges," he said.

Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairman of the AU Commission, reiterated the AU's commitment to deepening cooperation with China and urged African countries to draw on China's experience in development and industrialization.

"Africa must learn from the success of the Chinese experience," he said, adding that technological advances now make it possible to accelerate transformation. "It is in this respect that the Chinese miracle should guide our steps."

Amid global uncertainty, he said, it is essential to consolidate China-Africa cooperation. He also thanked the Chinese government for introducing the zero-tariff treatment.

Youssouf called on Chinese companies to invest more in Africa and work with local partners to build value and supply chains, fostering a win-win partnership.

Song Shangzhe, deputy director-general of the China International Import Expo Bureau, said the bureau would continue to help African companies enter the Chinese market and expand exports.

"The CIIE symbolizes China's sincere desire to share its market with Africa and the world," he said.

"In the past eight years from its debut, the expo has gathered quality African goods, contributed to the booming China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, and helped African enterprises tap into the huge Chinese market," he added.

wangxiaodong@chinadaily.com.cn