Online Reporter
Kuda Bwititi in BEIJING
President Xi Jinping’s recent letter to war veterans shows that Zimbabwe occupies a pride of place in Beijing’s relations with Africa, China’s top diplomat has said.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remarks yesterday, while pledging to bolster his country’s ties with Africa this year.
In a wide-ranging press conference held on the sidelines of the “Two Sessions” meetings, which are China’s biggest annual political event, Foreign Minister Wang lauded the flourishing “all-weather” friendship between the two nations.
“In the new era, President Xi Jinping has attached great importance to China-Africa relations, put forward the concept of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the correct view of shared interests, and led cooperation with Africa to a new height. In the first two months of this year, the leader wrote three letters and telegrams to his African brothers.
“The first was a congratulatory letter at the opening ceremony of the ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange,’ the second was a response to the veterans of the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe, and the third was a letter of congratulations to the African Union Summit for the 14th consecutive year.
“These letters convey the earnest expectation of China’s top leaders for the friendship between China and Africa, and demonstrate China’s firm support for Africa’s development and revitalisation.”
Minister Wang outlined a three-pronged roadmap for 2026, aimed at deepening economic integration and cultural exchange.
“First, China and Africa will take new steps in building a community with a shared future. We will host a number of African leaders in 2026 to strengthen our mutual support as an all-weather partner and write a new story of shared destiny,” he said.
“Second, China will fully implement zero tariffs on non-100 percent tax items on May 1. Driven by China’s high level of opening up, we will reduce tariffs, increase trade, and multiply people’s livelihoods, so that China’s large market will provide greater opportunities for Africa.
“Third, the ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchange’ has begun, and nearly 600 interesting exchange activities will be held during the year. China stands ready to work with our African brothers to deepen mutual learning between civilisations, promote people-to-people ties, and pass on China-Africa friendship to generations to come.”
The Foreign Minister underscored that the bond between China and Africa is not merely diplomatic, but rooted in a shared history of struggle and mutual sacrifice. He noted that for 36 consecutive years, the Chinese Foreign Minister’s first overseas trip of the year has been to Africa — a tradition that remains a “spirit and a belief” in Chinese diplomacy.
“It can be said that Sino-African friendship was passed down from generation to generation by heart for heart, and dried out with blood and sweat,” Minister Wang said.
