Ambitious vision

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is on a week-long tour of Namibia, Congo, Chad and Nigeria aimed at increasing Beijing's influence in Africa.

President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brazzaville on January 7. (Source: Xinhua)

In recent years, as an “agent and inspiration”, China has become the center of African policy. According to the latest statistics, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. China’s direct investment in the continent has exceeded 40 billion USD, becoming one of Africa’s main sources of foreign investment.

Beijing also clearly benefits from resource-rich Africa becoming an important source of raw materials and a major export market for China’s booming economy. Good relations with Africa also help Beijing gain great support on the international stage.

In the context of fierce global strategic competition, the US's reduced influence in Africa is an opportunity for China to deepen its footprint in the region. Wang Yi's visit is a step towards realizing the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) adopted by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit last year.

Beijing’s vision for Africa is ambitious. Over the next three years, with $51 billion in financial support, China will launch 10 cooperative actions with Africa across a range of sectors, creating about 1 million jobs. Beijing also plans to build 25 African research centers and invite 1,000 officials and politicians to China to learn about modern governance.

The rewards of these efforts are evident in a recent survey by the South Africa-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation, which found that China is now the foreign force with the most positive impact on young people in Africa, providing Beijing with a solid foundation for its influence on the continent.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/trung-quoc-chau-phi-tam-nhin-day-tham-vong-300233.html