BEIJING, China – China has reaffirmed its pledge to grant 100 per cent tariff-free access to goods from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, in a renewed push to deepen trade and development cooperation with the continent.
Speaking in Beijing at the 23rd Lanting Forum, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the policy aligns with President Xi Jinping’s broader Global Governance Initiative, and is meant to ensure that more developing nations benefit from China’s growth.
“China will open its door ever wider,” Wang said. “We will fully deliver on the zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent tariff lines given to least developed countries and African countries having diplomatic relations with China, so as to share development opportunities with more countries and peoples.”
The Lanting Forum is China’s high-level foreign policy platform for dialogue on major global issues.
This year’s session focused on improving global governance, strengthening international cooperation, and advancing what Beijing calls a “shared future for humanity.”
Wang also reiterated commitments made at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which outlined 10 key action areas intended to support African industrialisation, connectivity, governance and public welfare.
Infrastructure, Trade and Political Cooperation
China plans to support African value chains, help build five industrial cooperation clusters and establish a fund to promote deeper trade ties.
It also committed to implement 30 cross-border infrastructure projects and support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including multimodal transport systems.
In Kenya, projects tied to this cooperation include the Rironi–Mau Summit highway upgrade and the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway to eventually link the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic, creating a major trans-African trade corridor.
China will also establish 25 research centres for Africa-China cooperation, facilitate exchanges for 1,000 African political party officials, and waive interest-free loans due by the end of 2024 for some least developed countries.
Health, Education and Climate Action
Under health support plans, Beijing will set up a China-Africa hospital alliance, dispatch 2,000 medical personnel and continue assisting the Africa Centres for Disease Control.
Additionally, 1,000 small-scale community welfare projects will be rolled out across the continent.
Other areas of collaboration include agricultural technology transfer, food security, vocational training, youth and cultural exchanges, tourism, climate change resilience, and disaster preparedness.
Support for Africa’s Representation
Wang also signalled China’s backing for Africa’s longstanding quest for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
“As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China firmly supports reform of the council,” he said. “Increasing the representation and voice of developing countries is the right direction.”
He added that China views the Global South as an essential and capable force in shaping future international governance.
