CHINA-AFRICA TO REFLECT ON THEIR RELATIONS DURING FOCAC 

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In an effort to fulfill a common commitment to fortify China-Africa relations based on equality and respect for everyone, China will host the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing from September 4–6, 2024.

On invitation from the forum, leaders of the African governments and state including members of the FOCAC will attend the summit. On the sidelines of the global event, pertinent forum events will be attended by representatives of international and regional organizations with an interest in Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasizes the significance of fostering cordial collaboration between China and Africa in his book “The Governance of China Volume Four (4),” which gives African nations the opportunity to gain anything from the high-level summit.

On November 29, 2021, the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and African nations, it was acknowledged that Africa and China had created indestructible bonds through their shared struggle against colonialism and imperialism, and that they had chosen a unique course for cooperation in their quest for development revitalization. In a world of complexity and change, the World has have written a magnificent chapter on mutual aid and established a bright example for a new paradigm of international relations.

In his book, the Chinese leader provides an answer to the topic of why his nation has such tight ties and a strong friendship in his book.

A lasting spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two regions, marked by genuine friendship and equity, mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, openness and inclusivity, and progress with the times, is, in Xi Jinping’s opinion, the key to the development of ties between China and Africa.

In the words of Xi Jinping, “this really captures the working together in good times and hardship over the past decades and provides a source of strength for continuous growth of friendly China-African relations.”

By following a fair development strategy as detailed in his book, the Chinese President appears committed to maintaining the relationship between China and Africa.

The China-African relations have, it must be acknowledged, has not escaped criticism from major international economies seeking to strengthen ties with the mineral-rich continent.

The southern African nation of Zambia, which gained attention during the debt restructuring process, is among the African nations that have long-standing links with China.

The current administration was being criticized by a number of local and international publications for allegedly siding with Western nations. However, in July 2022, the Official Credit Sector Committee of Zambia, which is co-chaired by China and France, pledged to provide the copper rich-nation with debt relief. This led to the International Monetary Fund approve a $1.3 billion, three-year loan, and in June 2023, the OCC decided to restructure its $6.3 billion in loans to Zambia. That is a topic for another day, but it serves as an example of constructive actions rather than conjecture regarding Zambia’s bilateral and multilateral policies.

That confirmed President Hakainde Hichilema’s declaration of maintaining and enhancing connections with trading partners. On the other hand, Zambia’s seventh president, like his predecessors, dispelled doubts and misgivings about Zambia’s break from its all-weather friend by maintaining the long-standing relations with China.

President Hichilema’s signing of multiple bilateral development agreements with China demonstrates the two nations’ commitment to fortifying their relationship in order to gain mutual advantages.

One of the year’s main events was President Hakainde Hichilema’s attendance in the China-Zambia High-Quality Development Forum on May 15, 2024, which was held at the Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre with Chinese assistance. More than a thousand individuals attended, including 200 firms from both nations, 18 cabinet ministers from Zambia, government representatives, members of the parliament, political parties, local governments, and international organizations.

Mr. Diao Chunhe, Head of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities; Mr. Chen Guanfu, CEO of Power-China International Group; Ambassador Du Xiaohui; Sheal Mulyata, Minister of Lusaka Province; and President Hichilema gave keynote addresses during the forum in the capital city, Lusaka.

In September of last year, President Hichilema visited China at President Xi Jinping’s invitation. It was during this state visit that the two heads of state decided to upgrade their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership and declare 2024 as the Year of Business Cooperation. 

“Businesses should make better use of the Forum and look into more opportunities for cooperation as Zambia fights the ongoing drought. Practical cooperation between Zambia and China could help Zambia better handle the challenge.” It is recommended that Chinese companies increase their investments in Zambia in order to contribute to value addition and generate employment opportunities for youth. It is anticipated that the two nations would collaborate to address climate change and guarantee food and energy security through high-quality development, according to President Hichilema.

“Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future” appears to be the summit’s theme for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. Like other African nations, Zambia will look to make arrangements that will further its growth path.

The 60th anniversary of Zambia and China’s diplomatic ties’ founding is being celebrated concurrently with the summit.

Zambia’s recently appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mulambo Haimbe, and Mr. Wang Sheng, the Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, met on June 20, 2024, and both men made a commitment to collaborate in the run-up to the FOCAC meeting and the celebration of 60 years of China-Zambia ties.

Africans and other key interest groups will be interested to learn what agreements their leaders will make at the summit.