Focus on Arts and Ecology

August 25, 2023 

Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue in Johannesburg. President Xi said China wants to make the African Union a full member of the G20, and he pledged that China will support Africa’s effort to speak with one voice in international affairs.

He also announced initiatives to help Africa modernize its agriculture and industrial sectors, and train thousands of technical workers each year. You can read analysis of the Xi speech here and the full text here.

At a separate forum on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, President Xi said China is launching a $10 billion fund to implement the Global Development Initiative. He assured his fellow leaders that China will always be a member of the developing world.

Commentator Bereket Sisay rejects claims that Chinese assistance to Africa creates a “debt trap,” writing that China has long been an important catalyst for Africa development.

(Sources: China Report)