By Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong stated on Friday that now is “the right time” to deepen cooperation between China and Africa, ahead of the upcoming China-Africa summit in Beijing next month.
Speaking at a press conference, Chen emphasized that the meeting should be used to amplify the voice of the Global South in the ongoing reform of global governance. “The world is undergoing profound changes and has entered a period of turbulence and transformation,” said Chen. He underscored that both China and African countries are vital members of the Global South, with Africa experiencing a new era of awakening as it actively promotes unity, self-improvement, and integration.
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will open on September 5th in Beijing, with Chinese President Xi Jinping set to attend. China’s foreign ministry announced that Xi will deliver a keynote speech at the event, during which he will unveil a new package of aid for Africa.
Representatives from 53 African countries that are members of FOCAC will participate in the three-day summit, which will be the fourth of its kind since the forum’s inception in 2006.
China, as Africa’s largest trading partner and a major source of investment, plays a pivotal role on the continent. Africa is also a key component of President Xi’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), further cementing the importance of this summit in strengthening China-Africa relations.
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