CCTV asked a question on the special significance of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to Africa as the first overseas trip of the year and what China hopes to achieve through this visit.
Responding to the question, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries. She highlighted that, based on the consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and African leaders, 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. This designation reflects the shared commitment of both sides to deepen mutual understanding, cultural exchanges, and people-centered cooperation.
Mao Ning stated that Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit four African countries and attend the launching ceremony of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the headquarters of the African Union . The visit underscores Africa’s priority in China’s overall diplomacy and carries both symbolic and practical significance.
She emphasized that this visit continues a long-standing diplomatic tradition, noting that it marks the 36th consecutive year in which a Chinese foreign minister has chosen Africa as the destination for the first overseas trip of the year. This tradition demonstrates China’s consistent and unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with African nations.
According to Mao Ning, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho are China’s strategic cooperative partners. The visit to these countries is aimed at deepening political mutual trust, strengthening strategic coordination, and promoting pragmatic cooperation across multiple sectors.
Mao Ning further explained that one of the key objectives of Wang Yi’s visit is to implement the follow-up actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit. These follow-up actions focus on translating high-level consensus into concrete outcomes that deliver tangible benefits to the people of China and Africa.
In addition, the visit seeks to facilitate exchanges and mutual learning between the Chinese and African civilizations. By enhancing people-to-people interactions and cultural dialogue, China hopes to lay a stronger social and public foundation for long-term cooperation.
Mao Ning concluded by stating that Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s Africa trip is intended to inject fresh impetus into the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Through strengthened political trust, expanded cooperation, and closer people-to-people ties, China aims to work with African partners to jointly promote development, stability, and shared prosperity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements and publicly available information. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent any personal opinion or independent political analysis.
