In an exclusive interview with Capital newspaper, China's Special Representative on African Affairs, Liu Xianfa, outlined the strengthening ties between China and Africa. President Xi Jinping sent his 14th consecutive congratulatory message to the African Union Summit, praising African unity and pledging deeper cooperation. China announced plans to extend zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries starting May 2026.
On February 14, 2026, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the African Union Summit, addressed to Angolan President João Lourenço, AU Chairperson, and AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf, on the occasion of the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly. The message praised the progress of African countries in pursuing unity and expressed China's willingness to advance longstanding friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.
In the interview, Liu Xianfa explained that this marks the 14th consecutive year of such messages from Xi, conveying three key points: the high importance China places on China-Africa relations, Africa's prominent position in China's diplomacy, and the continuity of China's Africa policy. Xi's first overseas trip after taking office in 2013 was to Africa; he has visited five times in 13 years, hosted FOCAC summits, and outlined principles of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith. The 2024 FOCAC Summit in Beijing elevated relations to an all-weather community with a shared future, a first for China with an entire continent.
Regarding trade, China implemented zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for 33 African least-developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties starting December 1, 2024. In June 2025, Xi announced extension to 53 such countries via economic partnership agreements. The recent message confirmed unilateral extension to all 53 from May 1, 2026, aiming to boost African exports like coffee and nuts, attract investment, create jobs, and foster cooperation in green industries, e-commerce, and AI.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi's annual Africa visit upholds a 36-year tradition, underscoring profound goodwill. China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 17 years. In September 2025, Xi proposed the Global Governance Initiative, welcomed by African nations. This year marks 70 years of China-Africa diplomatic ties and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with about 600 events planned to deepen cultural ties.
Liu, who served in Nigeria and Kenya, expressed confidence in joint modernization efforts. China's 2025 GDP exceeded 140 trillion RMB with five percent growth, fulfilling its 14th Five-Year Plan; the 15th aligns with AU's Agenda 2063.
