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By Patrick Soko
The globe has continued to witness a panorama of renewed relations between China- the Asian economic giant and Africa even as it will be hosting the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be held in Beijing from September 4th to 6th with the sole purpose of building on a shared promise of strengthened China-Africa relations founded on equality and mutual respect.
Various Heads of State and government are expected to attend the FOCAC summit at the invitation of the forum. Representatives of relevant African regional organisations and international organisations will attend relevant forum events with a view to re-strategize areas of corporations in order to realise the desired future for the two continents.
The last FOCAC summit was held in Darka, Senegal from November 29-30 under the theme, “Deepen China-Africa Partnership and Promote Sustainable Development to Build a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era”.
The theme reflected the resolute determination of the Chinese communist government to build Africa’s capacity in infrastructure development, energy, water and transport sectors among others.
Although the China -Africa friendship is not without Western criticism due to various geo-political interests, it seems the Chinese government and its African friends have refused to bow to all manner of international pressure in their quest to realise their dreams for both continents.
Chinese President Xi Jinping in his book titled “The Governance of China Volume Four (4)” stresses the need to promote friendly cooperation between China and Africa that provides room for African countries to spell-out their desires from this high-level meeting.
The “friendly” nature of China-Africa relations exemplifies the firm belief for the Chinese government not to interfere in African government internal affairs and a win-win cooperation.
In 2021, precisely on November 29th during the 65th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and African nations, the Chinese government acknowledged that Africa and China have forged unbreakable bonds in the fight against the neo-colonialism agenda set by the West.
The struggle against imperialism and colonisation embarked on a distinctive path of cooperation – a journey towards development revitalisation.
“Together we have written a splendid chapter of mutual assistance in a world of complexity and change and set a shining example for a new model of international relation”, Mr Xi elucidates in his book.
In his book, the Chinese leader answers the question as to why his country has such a close relationship and a deep bond of friendship with Africa amid scepticism and backrush from anti-Chinese global big wigs.
According to Xi Jinping, the key to China-Africa ties lies in an everlasting spirit of the China-Africa friendship and cooperation forged between the two sides, characterised by sincere friendship and equity, mutual benefit and common development, fairness and justice, openness and inclusiveness, progress with the changing times.
“This truly captures the working together in good times and hardship over the past decades and provides a source of strength for continuous growth of friendly China-Africa relations,” He explains.
The Chinese President seems to be focussed in upholding the China – Africa ties by pursuing a path of fairness in the development agenda as outlined in his book.
However, it must be stated that the China- Africa relations has continued to receive criticism from various global economic powers who are also trying to improve their relations with the mineral-rich continent.
One of the African countries enjoying long-standing relations with China is Zambia, the southern African nation that was in the spotlight during the debt restructuring process.
Critics were accusing the current administration of being aligned with Western countries through various publications locally and across the globe, however in July 2022, Zambia’s Official Credit Sector Committee, co-chaired by China and France, committed to granting the country debt relief, paving the way for the International Monetary Fund to approve a $1.3 billion, three-year rescue loan and June 2023, the OCC agreed to restructure its combined $6.3 billion worth of loans to Zambia – an illustration of positive actions over speculation on Zambia’s bilateral and multilateral debt approach.
This milestone validates President Hakainde Hichilema’s affirmation of upholding and strengthening ties with various trade partners.
Mr Hichilema is Zambia’s 7th President just like his predecessors, he proved his critics wrong by upholding the long-standing Zambia-China relations erasing suspicions and perception of Zambia’s departure from its all-weather friend.
President Hichilema has signed several bilateral development agreements with China exhibiting the two countries ‘s belief in strengthening ties for shared benefits.
Among the major highlights this year was that on 15 May 2024, President Hakainde Hichilema attended the China-Zambia High-Quality Development Forum at the China-aided Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre. More than 1,000 people were in attendance, including Ambassador Du Xiaohui, 18 Zambian Cabinet Ministers, government representatives, parliamentarians, political parties, local administrations, international organizations and 200 representatives from mega and minor corporations from the two countries.
President Hichilema delivered a keynote speech, Ambassador Du Xiaohui, Chipoka Mulenga, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Sheal Mulyata, Minister of Lusaka Province, Mr. Diao Chunhe, Head of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibilities, and Mr Chen Guanfu, CEO of Power-China International Group also delivered speeches.
President Hichilema recalled his State visit to China last September at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, where the two Heads of State decided to upgrade the bilateral relationship to the Comprehensive Strategic and Cooperative Partnership and designated 2024 as the Year of Business Cooperation which he will be hopping to cement during the forthcoming conference.
“As Zambia works to fight the ongoing drought, Zambia-China practical cooperation could help Zambia to better cope with the challenge, and businesses should make better use of the Forum and explore more opportunities for cooperation. Chinese businesses are encouraged to expand their investment in Zambia to help achieve value addition and create jobs for young people. It is believed that through high-quality development, the two countries will work together to tackle climate change and ensure food and energy security,” President Hichilema stated in his keynote speech.
Apparently the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held under the theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.” Zambia just like other African countries will seek to develop stronger ties to sharpen its development trajectory.
The Summit will coincide with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zambia and China.
On 20 June 2024, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Wang Sheng met with the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe were two pledged to work together in preparation for the FOCAC summit and celebration of 60 years of China- Zambia relations.
It is left to see how much African governments will tap from the forthcoming FOCAC summit to develop the continent for the benefit of the citizens.
– ZANIS
