China-African Leaders Unite for Strategic Summit in Beijing

Dozens of African leaders gathered in Beijing for a summit aimed at elevating China-Africa relations to a strategic level. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized enhancing cooperation in industry, agriculture, and infrastructure. The summit also aims to address trade imbalances and strengthen political alliances against a U.S.-led global order.

Dozens of African leaders gathered in Beijing for a significant summit that underscores China's growing influence on the continent. The meeting seeks to elevate relations between China and African nations to a 'strategic' level amid challenges to the U.S.-led global order.

In his opening remarks at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the mutual understanding and support between China and Africa, touting it as a model for a new type of international relations. Since the forum's inception in 2000, China has rapidly become a major player in Africa, notably in mining, infrastructure development, and investments through Xi's Belt and Road program.

China, now sub-Saharan Africa's largest bilateral trading partner, exports significantly more to Africa than it imports. To address this trade deficit, African leaders are urging China to help expand their agricultural exports and industrial capacities. Xi reiterated China's willingness to deepen cooperation across various sectors and vowed to open Chinese markets further by eliminating tariffs on products from the world's poorest countries, including 33 African nations. The growing relationship also encompasses political elements as China seeks African allies in its global competition with the United States.

(With inputs from agencies.)