China-Africa cooperation has evolved significantly over the decades, transitioning from early infrastructural projects to deep economic partnerships and vibrant cultural exchanges. This enduring relationship not only fosters mutual growth but also addresses global challenges, influencing international development and governance on a large scale.
At the recent 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled ten partnership action plans aimed at strengthening the ties between the two regions. He emphasized the vision of an \"all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era,\" highlighting the resilience and forward-thinking nature of this collaboration.
Tracing back to the Ming Dynasty, the roots of China-Africa cooperation lie deep in history. The partnership gained momentum with the establishment of the People's Republic of China, leading to significant international cooperation and trade between China and Africa. In the 1970s, one of the most iconic projects was the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, funded by an interest-free loan and substantial material shipments from China. This \"Railway of Freedom\" played a crucial role in the socio-economic development of Tanzania and Zambia and supported national liberation movements in southern Africa during the Cold War era.
With China's reform and opening-up policy, the focus shifted towards economic development, resulting in substantial investments in African infrastructure. Over the past two decades, China has become the largest investor in African infrastructure, overseeing more than 200 projects including highways, railways, ports, and power transmission lines. The industrial park model, inspired by China's own development, has been widely adopted in Africa. By 2021, African nations had built or co-developed 237 industrial parks, with nearly 60 managed by Chinese companies, fueling industrialization across the continent.
This strategic cooperation underscores the potential and vitality of China-Africa relations, paving the way for sustainable growth and shared prosperity in the new era.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
