Beijing, January 10 – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi kicked off the new year with a significant diplomatic outreach, co-chairing the ninth strategic dialogue with the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa on January 8. Meeting at the AU headquarters, Wang engaged with AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat in a session that underscored deepening ties between China and the African continent.
Wang Yi highlighted the AU’s pivotal role in fostering African unity and cooperation, describing it as a cornerstone of China-Africa relations. He noted that President Xi Jinping has sent congratulatory messages to the AU summit for 13 consecutive years, a testament to China’s unwavering commitment to strengthening partnerships with the bloc.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African nations, alongside the 36th consecutive year a Chinese foreign minister visits Africa first in the new year. ‘This tradition reflects the stability of China’s Africa policy and the solidarity among developing nations,’ Wang emphasized.
Both China and Africa are entering critical phases of development, presenting vast opportunities for collaboration. Wang expressed China’s intent to share its development dividends with Africa and other developing countries, aiming for joint modernization and safeguarding Global South interests. He reaffirmed support for the AU’s leadership in African affairs and pledged deeper exchanges under China’s four global initiatives.
In response, Moussa Faki Mahamat praised China as Africa’s reliable partner, built on mutual respect and peaceful development. The AU expressed gratitude for China’s long-standing selfless support, reaffirmed its one-China policy, and voiced firm backing on Taiwan issues. The AU is eager to work with China to protect Global South interests and promote a fair, just, and peaceful global order.