China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the international community to support Africa in forging a path of self-reliant development, emphasizing that the continent’s progress is integral to global modernization.
Speaking at a press conference during the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress, Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening ties with Africa, calling the relationship stronger than ever.
“China and Africa are always good friends, good partners, and good brothers with a shared future,” Wang said, adding that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and African leaders, the partnership has reached an “all-weather” level.
Marking the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Wang highlighted China’s extensive investments in African infrastructure, including nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads and over 10,000 kilometers of railways. Over the past three years alone, Chinese businesses have created more than 1.1 million jobs across the continent. China has also remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
To illustrate the tangible impact of China-Africa cooperation, Wang recounted the story of a Gambian farmer who sent a bag of rice to China’s Hunan Province as a tribute to Yuan Longping, the pioneering scientist behind hybrid rice. Such innovations, Wang said, have helped alleviate hunger and foster agricultural development in Africa.
Describing Africa as the “fertile land of hope” in the 21st century, Wang called on the world to recognize Africa’s growing role in global affairs.
“There will be no global modernization without African modernization,” he said, stressing that stability and development in Africa are crucial for the future of humanity.
His remarks come as Africa navigates economic and political shifts, with increasing calls for greater autonomy in development. “Africa is experiencing a new awakening,” Wang said. “Countries should support Africa in exploring a new development path of self-reliance and self-strengthening.”
The speech underscored China’s strategic interest in Africa, where Beijing’s investments in infrastructure, energy, and trade continue to expand. As global powers vie for influence on the continent, Wang’s message signals Beijing’s intent to position itself as Africa’s steadfast partner in its pursuit of economic independence.
