Foreign Minister Qin Gang has arrived in Africa for his first official visit, marking a new chapter in China’s relations with the continent.
Qin will visit Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt and hold talks with his counterparts and other leaders on a range of issues, including trade, investment, cooperation, and regional and global affairs. He will also meet with representatives of the African Union, the Arab League, and other regional organisations.
The trip reflects China’s growing interest in Africa as a strategic and economic partner, as well as its desire to strengthen its presence and influence in the region. China has been a major investor and donor in Africa, supporting infrastructure, agriculture, health, education and other sectors and has signed numerous agreements and memorandums of understanding with African countries.
China’s relations with Africa have not been without controversy, however. Some have criticised China’s economic practices and environmental and social impacts, and have called for more transparency and accountability. Others have accused China of neocolonialism and exploitation or of seeking to divide and weaken Africa by supporting autocratic regimes or proxy conflicts.
Qin, a seasoned diplomat and former spokesperson for the foreign ministry, has vowed to address these concerns and to promote a more balanced, win-win, and mutually beneficial partnership with Africa.
Qin’s trip follows President Xi Jinping’s visit to Africa in 2018, when he announced a package of new initiatives and measures to strengthen China’s engagement with Africa. The two visits demonstrate China’s commitment to Africa and its recognition of the continent’s importance and potential.
China and Africa have a long and complex history, dating back to the Silk Road and the maritime trade. Today, they are connected by a growing network of ties and exchanges, including tourism, education, science, technology, sports, and culture. The visits by Qin and Xi aim to further expand and deepen these ties, and to build a more comprehensive, cooperative, and dynamic partnership for the 21st century.