By Yi Fan
In the previous century, anti-colonial liberation and independence movements across the African continent gave rise to what many call Africa’s “first awakening.” Decades later, a growing number of African countries are revisiting their Western-style institutions and seeking greater self-reliance, sustainability and voice. Amid this “second awakening” in the words of some locals, Africa has a true friend in the Global South: China.
The more the visits, the closer the friend
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to four African countries at the beginning of 2025 continued an unparalleled 35-year tradition of the foreign minister going to Africa for the first overseas visit of the year. By doing so, China shows the world that regardless of changes in the international and regional landscape, it will always remain the most trustworthy friend of African brothers and sisters, the most reliable partner of African countries in their development, and the strongest supporter of Africa on the international stage, as Foreign Minister Wang told the press.
A central topic throughout the visit was the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization that Chinese President Xi Jinping laid out at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, and the translation of strategic common understandings into constant growth drivers for China-Africa relations.
When meeting the press in Nigeria, Foreign Minister Wang welcomed Nigeria to issue panda bonds in China and expressed confidence in Nigeria, building on President Xi’s words at the Beijing Summit that “China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.”
When more is shared, much more is gained
In recent weeks, heartbreaking natural disasters have been reported in several places across the world. In his meeting with Foreign Minister Wang, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu expressed sympathy over the earthquake in China’s southwestern Xizang Autonomous Region and commended China for its swift and effective rescue efforts. This is not the first time African leaders have spoken highly of China’s organization and mobilization capacity.
Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, China has found a development path suited to its national realities. Stories of Chinese modernization provide inspirations and alternatives for African nations seeking to accelerate development.
Within the Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations, the first among the ten partnership actions for modernization, China plans to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and 25 centers on China and Africa studies, and invite 1,000 members of African political parties to China. These measures will cement the intellectual bedrock for a time-honored China-Africa friendship.
When we stand united, our voice is stronger
The collective rise of the Global South in this changing world brings China and Africa together in a common cause. China understands, through its own experience, that the biggest historical injustice against Africa is not only colonialism, but also bullyism and power politics.
While in Africa, Foreign Minister Wang reiterated support for redressing the historical injustice against Africa, opposition to foreign interference in African countries’ internal affairs, and support for special arrangements to meet Africa’s concern as a priority on the issue of the reform of the United Nations Security Council.
Looking ahead, the recent re-election of Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who is the first African to hold this position, is a ray of hope for a land of promise. China and Africa can and must do more together for free trade and a more just and equitable global governance system as a whole.
Modernization is not westernization. As Africa works toward its modernization, which is part and parcel of global modernization, its journey becomes more pleasant knowing that China is a true friend.
(Yi Fan is a Beijing-based political commentator.)
