China reiterates commitment for mutually benefitting cooperation with Africa

Addis Ababa, August 22, 2023 (FBC) – China is committed to strengthen the mutually benefitting and win-win cooperation with African countries for an even better future of China-Africa friendship, according to Ambassador HU Changchun, Head of Mission of China at the African Union.

In a meeting with representatives of the media and think tanks at Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ambassador HU highlighted hotspot issues such as China’s status as a developing country, the 10-year journey of the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Africa cooperation, the concept of the Global South, the ongoing BRICS Summit, and related points.

In building digital infrastructure, the Ambassador recalled that China has helped Africa build a communications network of 150,000 kilometers, with network services covering nearly 700 million users.

Mr. HU stated that the Belt and Road Initiative has become a new engine driving economy along the routes. For trade, the import and export volume of China and B&R countries has grown by an average of 8.6% annually in the past 10 years, and two-way investment has exceeded 270 billion US dollars.

China is committed to supporting African countries’ efforts to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063. “We will join hands with African friends, focusing on the synergy of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, with Agenda Twenty sixty three and the development strategies of African countries.”

He also pointed out that Clean and green energy has become a new area of China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, reminding his country’s support to African countries, including Ethiopia, to seek an ecologically friendly development path to African countries.

“China has pledged not to build new energy-intensive and high-emission thermal power projects overseas, including in African countries, and actively help African countries develop clean, green and renewable energy,” he said.

The ambassador reiterated that China remains committed to addressing the impacts of climate change and enhancing cooperation with other countries. “Together with Africa and other members of the international community, we are ready to make greater contribution to global climate governance, take concrete actions for win-win cooperation, and build the community with a shared future for mankind.”

He further reminded that China takes the lead in supporting AU in joining G20. “China supports Africa integration process and supports the AU to play active roles in regional and international affairs.”

Highlighting the economic cooperation, Amb. HU said that China and Africa have developed a new mode of economic and trade cooperation for international production capacity, mentioning the Eastern Industrial Park in Ethiopia which gathered nearly 100 enterprises, including 75 Chinese-funded enterprises, creating 15,000 jobs.

Detailing China’s view on Global South, Ambassador HU noted that his country views its as countering hegemony, neutral, progressive, and just. “Global South” does not have a geographical meaning, he added.

“The Global South is the family of emerging markets and developing countries. It is against hegemony, against the Western centralism, against the unfair international order, and is positive, neutral, and pursuing progress. China is a natural member of the Global South and will always be part of the developing world,” Mr. HU underscored, further adding that the rise of the Global South relies on the rise of many developing countries.

Recalling the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent remarks, the Head of Chines Mission at the AU stated that independence is the political hallmark of the Global South, development and revitalization is historical mission, and justice is unyielding pursuit. Global South countries need to join hands and contribute their share to world peace and common development.

Speaking about the ongoing BRICS Summit, the Ambassador said that China looks forward to strengthening the partnership between BRICS and African countries, boosting African integration, and building a prosperous Africa.