China, Africa work together to usher in a new era for common development

In his closing remarks at the summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Dec. 5, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the summit as a perfect, remarkable and historic event.

"In spite of adjustments and changes in international situations, the China-Africa brotherhood of equality, mutual trust and mutual support won't change. In spite of the ups and downs of economic situations, the fundamental principles of China and Africa’s mutually beneficial cooperation and common development won't change. In spite of the shifting of times and society, the coordinated spirit of mutual understanding and common progress between China and Africa won't change. In spite of various threats and challenges, the firm determination of China and Africa to share weal and woe won't change," said Xi Jinping in his concluding remarks. These "Four Absolutes" show Xi’s commitment to promoting China-Africa cooperation and demonstrate China’s resolution to improve China-Africa relations.

The summit of FOCAC was successfully held in Johannesburg, and proved itself to be a milestone in the development of China-Africa relations. The Declaration of the Johannesburg Summit and the Johannesburg Action Plan (2016-2018) of FOCAC have been officially approved at the summit.

Leaders of China and Africa are determined to jointly commit to strengthening and consolidating the "Five Major Pillars," including equality and mutual trust in politics, mutually beneficial economic cooperation, exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, mutual assistance in security, and unity and coordination in international affairs. The new cooperation framework makes China-Africa relations more complete and strong.

As Chinese president, Xi Jinping visited Africa in 2013 for the first time. In a speech delivered at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center in Tanzania, Xi said that China and Africa will always be trustworthy friends and sincere partners. The half hour speech elicited over 30 rounds of applause. Two years later, 50 heads of African countries, heads of government or their representatives and the chairperson of the African Union Commission witnessed the adoption of the Five Major Pillars that will bolster China-African relations. In addition, the "ten major cooperation plans" and China’s offer of 60 billion U.S. dollars to fund those plans was announced, along with China’s five-point proposal for strengthening China-African cooperation and China’s commitment to the “Four Absolutes.” Solemn commitments and practical actions embody China’s sincere and modern policies toward Africa.

Leaders of African countries spoke highly of China’s initiatives and have high expectations for future China-Africa relations: “The new initiatives announced by President Xi Jinping are historic and will inject new life into China-African relations.” Another remarked that: “The summit lifts China-Africa relations to a record high level.” 　　

Both Zimbabwe and South Africa are important partners and are deepening their cooperation with China. Xi’s state visit to the countries contributes to mutual political trust and cultural exchange. This both elevates and invigorates the development of bilateral China-Africa relations.

China, the single largest developing country, and Africa, the continent with the most developing countries, have the ability and obligation to play a great role in international affairs and contribute to building a new kind of international relations. China and Africa are ushering in an era of mutually beneficial common development in order to create a better future.