Beijing, February 14 – Chinese President Xi Jinping extended heartfelt congratulations to African nations and peoples on the occasion of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit. In messages addressed to Angolan President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco, who holds the rotating AU chairmanship, and AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Xi highlighted the summit’s significance amid global transformations.
Xi noted that the world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century, with the Global South gaining unprecedented momentum. Over the past year, the AU has united African countries, advancing integration efforts, steadfastly safeguarding Africa’s legitimate rights and interests, and elevating its international standing and influence.
Emphasizing China’s unwavering commitment, Xi stated that Beijing remains dedicated to upholding world peace, promoting common development, and building a community with a shared future for mankind, even amidst complex and volatile international dynamics.
In a major announcement, Xi revealed that starting May 1, 2026, China will fully implement a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties. China will also continue promoting the signing of economic partnership agreements for shared development, enhance the ‘green channel’ for African products, and expand market access in China.
This policy represents China’s latest step in expanding high-level opening-up to the world, poised to unlock new opportunities for African development and help realize the shared dream of modernization between China and Africa.
Reflecting on 70 years of diplomatic relations, Xi recalled how China and Africa have stood shoulder-to-shoulder through thick and thin. China is eager to deepen historical friendship, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation, foster mutual understanding and affinity, and usher in a new chapter in building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.