Chinese foreign minister begins African tour

The Chinese foreign minister has kicked off his African tour, marking the 35th consecutive year that a Chinese foreign minister has visited Africa on their first overseas trip of the year. This tradition highlights the significance of Africa in China's foreign policy and diplomatic efforts. The minister's visit is expected to strengthen China's relationships with African countries, with a focus on cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure development, and disease control.

During his trip, the minister announced numerous Chinese investments in Africa, including the construction of the new African Centers for Disease Control in Ethiopia, which China funded and built. He also pledged support for reconstruction efforts in Ethiopia's Tigray region, following a recent ceasefire. These investments demonstrate China's commitment to partnering with Africa and supporting the continent's development.

The minister's visit is not just about strengthening China's ties with Africa, but also about promoting multilateral cooperation and a more equitable global order. As he stated, "Africa should be a big stage for international cooperation, not an arena for major-force rivalry". This sentiment reflects China's desire to work with Africa and other global partners to address common challenges and promote shared prosperity.

The Chinese foreign minister's African tour is a significant event, and it will be interesting to see how it unfolds and what outcomes it yields.

https://guardian.ng/news/world/chinese-foreign-minister-begins-african-tour/