China sees moment to deepen strategic trust with African Union

China and the African Union are entering a phase where deeper strategic alignment is both possible and necessary, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. After a tour that included the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as well as stops in Tanzania and Lesotho, Wang said Beijing sees the present moment as critical for building long-term strategic trust. He underlined that cooperation between China and Africa carries growing weight for global stability and development, especially as developing countries seek a stronger voice in international affairs.

Strategic trust and shared interests

Wang emphasized that China, as the world’s largest developing country, shares common ground with the African Union, which represents the highest number of developing nations. He said both sides should better coordinate their development strategies, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and jointly contribute to global peace. According to Wang, closer China-Africa cooperation can also help address shared challenges such as uneven growth and external economic pressures.

Trade, investment and institutional platforms

Highlighting economic ties, Wang pointed to China’s vast domestic market as a source of new opportunities for African economies. He called on the international community to increase its focus on Africa and expand investment flows to the continent. Beijing, he added, is ready to work with African countries to build more institutionalized cooperation platforms that support development paths tailored to local conditions and public needs.

Africa’s role in global modernization

Wang argued that Africa’s progress is inseparable from worldwide development, saying, “There can be no global modernization without the modernization of Africa.” China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching $314 billion in the first 11 months of 2025. The visit also coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and marked the 36th straight year Africa has been the destination of China’s foreign minister’s first overseas trip, underscoring Beijing’s long-term diplomatic focus on the continent.