China and Africa Strengthen Ties with New Cooperation Declaration

Strategic Insights -

Liberia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, emphasized the need for China and Africa to move beyond exporting raw materials, pushing for modernization and development of services and manufacturing sectors. Speaking at a Ministerial Meeting in Changsha, China, Nyei urged cooperation to drive growth on the continent, citing Liberia's economic reforms to facilitate trade with China. The meeting saw 53 African countries and the African Union Commission join China in adopting the "China-Africa Changsha Declaration," outlining a shared vision for multilateralism, fair trade, and mutual development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Liberia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Nyei, called for stronger cooperation between China and Africa in trade and development, emphasizing the need to move beyond exporting raw materials.
  • The Ministerial Meeting in Changsha, China, saw 53 African countries and the African Union Commission join China in adopting the "China-Africa Changsha Declaration."
  • The declaration outlines a shared vision for multilateralism, fair trade, and mutual development among developing countries, recognizing China and Africa as key players in a world seeking more inclusive global governance.
  • The declaration condemns "unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying," warning that these tactics pose serious threats to the social and economic development of African and other Global South nations.
  • Liberia has reformed its economic regulations to make it easier to do business and promote trade with other countries, particularly China, and has benefited from Chinese investments in infrastructure and trade.
  • The declaration proposes to extend zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, excluding only Eswatini.
  • China is committed to Africa, with the declaration calling for increased development assistance and the extension of zero-tariff treatment to promote economic growth and cooperation.
  • Liberia positioned itself as a willing and reform-oriented partner, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in facing shared global threats, including climate change, transnational crime, and pandemics.
  • The declaration aligns with Agenda 2063 of the African Union and supports the implementation of its Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan, reinforcing the call for an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era."

Statistics:

  • 53 African countries and the African Union Commission joined China in adopting the "China-Africa Changsha Declaration."
  • China plans to extend zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, excluding only Eswatini.
  • The declaration proposes to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market through the negotiating and signing of the agreement on the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development.

Sources:

  • The "China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South."
  • The Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-Up Actions from the 2024 FOCAC Summit in Changsha, China.
  • Agenda 2063 of the African Union.