Title: The ‘Embrace of Hands’ Powers Modernization: International Community Praises the Rich Outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has concluded, leaving behind a trail of laudatory remarks from the international community. The summit, which took place in September 2024, has been hailed as a milestone event that not only encapsulates the historical friendship between China and Africa but also charts a course for modernization and a higher level of cooperation.
Historical Milestone and Modernization Path
The summit, held in Beijing, reviewed the historical experiences of Sino-African friendship and outlined the direction and path for both sides to advance modernization. The Embrace of Hands, the symbol of the FOCAC, signifies unity and cooperation, a theme that was palpably present in the rich outcomes of the summit.
Two key documents were adopted: the Beijing Declaration on Building a New Era of All-Weather Community of Shared Future between China and Africa, and the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. These documents embody the consensus on advancing modernization and building a high-level China-Africa community of shared future, providing a clear direction for future cooperation.
International Praise and Recognition
The international community has uniformly praised the summit’s achievements. Commentators and experts see the FOCAC as a significant platform for mutually beneficial cooperation and the practice of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
Ikenна Emеwυ, editor-in-chief of Nigeria’s China-Africa Economic magazine, noted the summit’s importance and the significance of its outcomes. The next frontier of China-Africa cooperation is not only infrastructure but also the sharing of governance experience, he said, highlighting the summit as a new starting point for cooperation.
Joseph Mutaboba, an expert on China-Africa relations and China’s development policies from Rwanda, pointed out that the summit’s commitment to provide zero-tariff treatment for products from the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China is a positive step. This move, he believes, will significantly expand Africa’s export market, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture and textiles.
Tailored Cooperation and Development
The summit has been recognized for its approach to cooperation that is tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of African countries. This stands in contrast to a one-size-fits-all approach, which has been criticized in the past.
Stephen Perry, honorary chairman of the 48 Group Club in the UK, highlighted the difference between China’s approach and that of Western countries. While Western countries buy raw materials from Africa at low prices and sell manufactured goods at high prices, China supports Africa’s infrastructure development and shares its rich experience in transforming from agriculture to manufacturing, he said.
Promoting Multilateralism and Building a Community of Shared Future
The summit has also been praised for promoting multilateralism and contributing to the construction of a community of shared future. Charles Onunaiju, director of the Nigeria China Centre, sees the summit as a significant step in elevating the overall relationship between China and Africa to a new era of all-weather community of shared destiny.
The summit’s consensus on advancing global governance through consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits has been seen as beneficial for新兴 economies and for unlocking the unique potential of political, economic, social, and cultural aspects.
Crucial for Modernization of the Global South
The summit’s outcomes have been deemed crucial for the modernization of the Global South. China and Africa, representing the largest developing country and the most concentrated group of developing countries, respectively, have a significant role to play in global modernization.
Ahmed Salam, an expert on China from Egypt, praised the consensus reached during the summit. The cooperation between China and Africa in infrastructure and economic fields will help Global South countries further integrate into the global economy, he said, adding that the collaboration in renewable energy and technology sectors will accelerate industrial and technological modernization.
In conclusion, the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC has been widely acclaimed for its contributions to Sino-African relations and the modernization efforts of the Global South. As the international community looks to the future, the Embrace of Hands symbolizes a path toward prosperity and harmony in a volatile world.
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