In a pivotal moment for global development, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for strengthened cooperation between China and Africa to spearhead the modernization of the Global South. Delivering a keynote address at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Xi emphasized that no nation should be left behind on the path to modernization.
\"Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization, promoting modernization of the Global South with China-Africa collaboration, and writing a new magnificent chapter of development in human history,\" Xi declared.
Reflecting on the 24-year history of FOCAC, Xi highlighted the deepened ties and mutual progress between China and Africa, marking their relationship as the best in history. He proposed elevating bilateral relations between China and African nations to strategic levels, aiming to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Xi stressed that modernization is an inalienable right and that both China and Africa are pursuing their unique paths. He envisions their joint efforts igniting a wave of modernization across the Global South, fostering a just and equitable development model. Emphasizing open and win-win cooperation, Xi outlined plans to enhance collaboration in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment, and to promote high-quality Belt and Road projects.
The Chinese president also unveiled 10 partnership actions to be implemented over the next three years, covering areas such as trade prosperity, industrial cooperation, green development, and common security. Additionally, China will support Africa in issuing panda bonds to bolster results-oriented cooperation.
Concluding his speech, Xi affirmed that with one-third of the world's population residing in China and Africa, their joint modernization is essential for global progress. He called for eco-friendly development underpinned by peace and security, promising China's commitment to building green growth engines and supporting Africa's capacity to safeguard peace and stability.
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Xi urges China, Africa to spearhead modernization of Global South
cgtn.com
