China-Angola Joint Statement - State Council Calls to Stabilise Expectations & Growth
Hi folks,
Hope everyone’s having a good Saturday.
I am doing a brief edition today to cover just two stories:
the outcomes of Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s visit to China
the State Council’s plenary session after the Two Sessions
The top story today (English report) is about Xi Jinping’s meeting with Joao Lourenco, President of Angola. Xi said that bilateral ties “have stood the test of international vicissitudes and benefited the two peoples. China-Angola cooperation is South-South cooperation and cooperation between developing countries, which is about mutual help between good friends, reciprocity and win-win cooperation”.
Xi added: “China supports Angola in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, exploring a modernization path suited to its national conditions, and realizing national development and revitalization…China is also willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Angola, upgrade bilateral strategic relations, and jointly promote the modernization process of each country.”
Xi then talked about BRI, saying “China is ready to work with the Angolan side to implement key infrastructure projects, support competent Chinese enterprises to carry out various forms of cooperation in Angola, and help the country advance agricultural modernization, industrialization and economic diversification. It is hoped that Angola will take more effective measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests and safety of Chinese citizens and enterprises. Angola is welcome to continue to promote more high-quality Angolan products to China through platforms, such as the China International Import Expo and the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. China will continue to send medical teams to Angola and implement other projects, provide scholarships to Angolan students, and enhance people-to-people exchanges and friendship.”
“Xi Jinping at present, the collective rise of developing countries is unstoppable. The Global South must not be absent from global governance, or development and prosperity. China is a reliable friend and sincere partner of African countries in their efforts to safeguard independence, and promote development and revitalization. China supports African countries and the African Union in solving African issues in the African way, and safeguarding regional peace and stability. China stands ready to strengthen multilateral coordination with Angola and other African countries to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and an inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.” 习近平指出，当前，发展中国家群体性崛起势不可挡，无论是全球治理还是发展繁荣，全球南方都不应该缺席。中国是非洲国家维护独立自主和推进发展振兴道路上的可靠朋友和真诚伙伴。中方支持非洲国家和非盟致力于通过非洲方式解决非洲问题，维护地区和平稳定，愿同安哥拉等非洲国家加强多边协调，维护发展中国家共同利益，共同倡导平等有序的世界多极化和普惠包容的经济全球化，推动构建人类命运共同体.
Lourenco said that “Angola firmly adheres to the one-China policy, believes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and believes that the Taiwan issue will be successfully resolved. Angola highly appreciates China's consistent commitment to promoting world peace and progress and safeguarding international fairness and justice, and is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to safeguard the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and important international relations norms, such as safeguarding the sovereignty, independence, and non-interference in internal affairs of all countries.” 安方坚定奉行一个中国政策，认为台湾是中国不可分割的一部分，相信台湾问题一定会得到圆满解决。安方高度赞赏中国始终致力于促进世界和平与进步、维护国际公平正义，愿同中方加强多边协作，维护联合国宪章宗旨原则以及维护各国主权、独立、不干涉内政等重要国际关系准则.
Some background from Xinhua: Angola is China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade reaching $23 billion in 2023. Chinese companies have rebuilt or constructed new 2,800 km of railways, 20,000 km of roads, over 100,000 social housing units, more than 100 schools, and more than 50 hospitals in the country.
In terms of outcomes, the two sides signed documents related to BRI cooperation, economy and trade, agriculture, green development and other fields. They also issued a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
The joint statement that was issued is published on Page 3. The document structure is very interesting. The first section focuses on joint actions to build a community with a shared future for mankind. Key points:
“Both sides are willing to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind and jointly aim for lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, and a clean and beautiful world.”
“The two heads of state agreed that in response to a series of major issues and challenges facing the world today, all parties should advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.” 两国元首一致认为，针对当今世界面临的一系列重大问题重大挑战，各方应倡导平等有序的世界多极化和普惠包容的经济全球化. (Comment: This is a relatively new Chinese framing of its foreign policy objective, which is finding resonance in these documents.)
The document talks about both sides “setting an example in safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and international fairness and justice” and agreeing to “strengthen mutual support on issues involving each other's core interests and major concerns.”
“China reaffirms its firm support for the Angolan people to independently choose a development path that suits their national conditions, and firmly supports Angola in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, security and interests. Angola reaffirms its firm adherence to the One-China principle, recognizing the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China, acknowledging Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory, firmly supporting all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification and firmly supporting the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. Angola opposes external forces interfering in China's internal affairs in any form and any practice that undermines China's sovereignty and territorial integrity.” 中方重申坚定支持安哥拉人民自主选择符合本国国情的发展道路，坚定支持安哥拉维护国家独立及主权、安全和利益。安方重申坚定奉行一个中国原则，承认中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，坚定支持中国为实现国家统一所作的一切努力，坚定支持不干涉内政原则。安方反对外部势力以任何形式干涉中国内政，反对任何损害中国主权和领土完整的做法. (Comment: While the Xinhua report on the meeting of the two presidents said One-China Policy, the joint statement, which is of greater significance, says “One-China Principle.)
“Both sides agreed that no matter what stage of development they are in, all countries, big or small, are equal, and hegemonism and power politics should be resolutely opposed.” 双方一致认为，无论处于何种发展阶段，大小国家一律平等，霸权主义和强权政治应受到坚决反对. (Comment: Standard criticism of the US embedded in these documents.)
“Both sides agreed that all parties should jointly abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, jointly adhere to the universally recognized basic norms of international relations, and practice true multilateralism.” 双方一致认为，各方应共同恪守联合国宪章宗旨和原则，共同坚持普遍认同的国际关系基本准则，践行真正的多边主义. (Comment: This is the Chinese formulation juxtaposed with the US’ articulation of a rules-based order, which is now common in such documents.)
“Both sides reaffirmed their support for the authority of the United Nations and agreed on the need to reform the United Nations and its subsidiary bodies, especially the Security Council, to make them more adaptable to the current situation, expand the participation of developing countries, and expand Africa's representation and voice in the Security Council. Angola reiterated the importance of the ‘Ezulwini Consensus’ and appreciated that China was the first country in the G20 to support the African Union's accession to the G20.” 双方重申支持联合国权威，一致认为有必要对联合国及其附属机构，特别是安理会进行改革，使其更适应当前形势，扩大发展中国家参与，扩大非洲在安理会的代表性和发言权。安方重申“埃祖尔韦尼共识”重要性并赞赏中国是二十国集团中首个支持非盟加入二十国集团的国家.
(Comment: I have highlighted that last bit because it is part of this contest that is underway between India and China with regard to the Global South. For instance, here is a snippet from Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent remarks in Tokyo: “So we did last year two meetings of the voice of the Global South because we wanted to listen to these 125 countries and then put before the G20 a set of issues which were the collective views of these 125 countries. Within Asia and Africa, Global South is very popular in those continents. They know exactly what is happening, who’s speaking up for them, and how their issues are getting on the table. They don’t think it is a coincidence that it was under the Indian presidency that the African Union, which had long been promised a seat in the G20, got a seat. So the Global South believes us…The two summits which we convened last year to listen to their concerns, I don’t believe China was present…”)
Both sides attach great importance to democracy and agree that the democratic path and model of each country should be consistent with its national conditions and development realities. 双方均高度重视民主，一致认为各国的民主道路、民主模式应当符合本国国情和发展实际.
Both sides agreed that the development of human rights is a common cause for all mankind, and the rights to survival and development are the primary basic human rights. Human rights exchanges and cooperation should be carried out on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment. 双方一致认为，发展人权是全人类共同的事业，生存权、发展权是首要的基本人权，应在相互尊重和平等相待基础上开展人权交流与合作.
On climate change, it says that “Developed countries bear historical responsibility for climate change and should take the lead in undertaking substantial emission reduction obligations and earnestly fulfill their commitments to provide financial, technological and capacity-building support to developing countries.” 发达国家对气候变化负有历史责任，应该率先承担大幅减排义务，切实兑现向发展中国家提供资金、技术和能力建设支持的承诺.
The second section talks about BRI. Key points:
The two sides will establish a strategic partnership for green development, strengthen cooperation in areas such as environmental protection, climate change mitigation, green economy, and the construction of risk response mechanisms, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in industries related to renewable energy such as photovoltaics, wind power, electric vehicles and other related industries in order to promote energy transition and ensure energy security. 双方将建立绿色发展战略伙伴关系，加强在环保、应对气候变化、绿色经济、风险应急机制建设等领域合作，扩大光伏、风能等可再生能源、电动汽车等相关产业互利合作，促进能源转型、保障能源安全.
The two sides will strengthen cooperation in mining and agricultural development and increase the added value of the mining, agriculture and animal husbandry industries. Angola invites Chinese companies to make private investments in mining, agriculture, fishery, pharmaceuticals, tourism and other fields. China encourages Chinese enterprises to participate in investment projects that support the upgrading of Angola’s industrial chain and enhance its independent development capabilities. 双方将加强矿业和农业开发合作，增加矿业、农牧产业附加值。安方邀请中方企业在矿业、农业、渔业、制药、旅游等领域进行私人投资。中方鼓励中国企业参与投资支持安产业链升级和提升自主发展能力的项目。
The third section is on GDI. Key points:
“China appreciates President Lourenco’s role as an important promoter of peace and reconciliation in Africa recognized by the African Union, and believes that he will play a greater positive role in maintaining regional and world peace and development.” 中方赞赏洛伦索总统作为非盟认可的非洲和平和解重要推动者，相信其将为维护区域和世界和平与发展发挥更大积极作用.
“China welcomes Angola to officially join the ‘Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative’...” 中国欢迎安哥拉正式加入“全球发展倡议之友小组”，双方将在全球发展倡议框架下推进各领域务实合作。
The document talks about improving trade facilitation, enhancing infrastructure investment in Angola and boosting investment in cooperation in agriculture, industry, fishery, tourism, etc, in Angola.
“The two sides agreed to establish an investment cooperation working group mechanism to promote cooperation in digital economy, green development, blue economy and other fields.” 双方将加强投资合作。双方同意建立投资合作工作组机制，促进数字经济、绿色发展、蓝色经济等领域合作.
“The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields of finance, support financial institutions in providing investment and financing services for cooperation between enterprises of the two countries, encourage more use of local currency settlement in trade and investment, and facilitate enterprises of the two countries to reduce exchange costs. Both parties will also create a good policy environment for promoting local currency settlement.” 双方同意加强金融各领域的合作，支持金融机构为两国企业合作提供投融资服务，鼓励在贸易和投资中更多使用本币结算，便利两国企业减少汇兑成本。双方还将为推动本币结算创造良好的政策环境.
“Angola welcomes the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative proposed by China, and both sides are willing to expand exchanges and cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.” 安方欢迎中方提出的《全球人工智能治理倡议》，双方愿拓展人工智能领域交流合作.
The final two sections are on GSI and GCI. Key points:
Angola supports GSI. The document says that the two sides “commit to protect the security and legitimate rights and interests of each other’s citizens and institutions within their respective countries.” 双方承诺保护本国境内对方公民及机构的安全和合法权益。
“The two sides will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in mediation of disputes and security fields, strengthen high-level exchanges on national defense and security issues, and strengthen cooperation in personnel training, combating transnational crime, equipment technology and other fields.” 双方将进一步加强在调解分歧和安全领域的交流与合作，在国防和安全问题上加强高层交往，加强在人员培训、打击跨国犯罪、装备技术等领域合作.
“Angola appreciates China’s active role in promoting the political settlement of the Ukrainian crisis and the Palestinian issue. China appreciates President Lourenco's active efforts in promoting peace and talks on international and regional hotspot issues such as the Democratic Republic of Congo situation. Both sides called on the international community to cooperate to deal with the spillover effects caused by relevant conflicts and reduce the negative impact on developing countries, especially African countries.” 安方赞赏中方为推动政治解决乌克兰危机和巴勒斯坦问题发挥积极作用。中方赞赏洛伦索总统在刚果（金）问题等国际和地区热点问题上积极劝和促谈。双方呼吁国际社会合作应对有关冲突造成的外溢效应，减少对广大发展中国家特别是非洲国家的负面影响.
The two sides support cooperation in areas such as addressing climate change and ensuring stable and smooth supply and industrial chains, call for avoiding the politicization of energy and food security issues and maintaining smooth supply and stable prices of energy and food. 双方支持在应对气候变化、供应链产业链稳定畅通等领域合作，避免将能源和粮食安全问题政治化，维护能源和粮食供应畅通、价格稳定.
On GCI, the document primarily says that “both sides agree to strengthen cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, education, journalism, sports, public health and other fields.” 双方愿携手落实全球文明倡议，加强文明交流、促进民心相通.
While in Beijing, Lourenco also met with Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji. Staying on this for a moment: while the joint statement does reflect Chinese discourse priorities, it is interesting to note that Angola is actively focussed on expanding its options when it comes to global partners. For instance, check out this Washington Post report from January during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to the country.
Angola recently “rejected China and embraced Washington and Europe to help build a $250 million rail corridor that will channel cobalt, copper and other critical minerals out of Angola and its neighbors, diversifying U.S. supplies of raw materials critical to the green revolution. Angolan and American officials hope it will spark a broader economic boom, and the U.S.-funded Export-Import Bank has committed to a $900 million loan for a U.S.-made solar panel project along the rail line, the bank’s largest-ever investment in that kind of installation in Africa. Angola’s foreign minister also publicly declared to his Russian counterpart last year that he was concerned about the start of ‘World War III’ as the result of the war in Ukraine, sharp words for a longtime major backer… ‘They want to have a diversity of partners, right? They don’t want to be entirely dependent on China. And they honestly don’t want to be entirely dependent on us,’ said a senior administration official, speaking, like others, on the condition of anonymity to talk frankly about U.S. diplomacy.”
Moving on, there’s a report on the State Council’s fourth plenary meeting, studying Xi Jinping's important speeches during the Two Sessions and outlining its major tasks this year. Li Qiang said that Xi’s speeches provided a “profound explanation with regard to many major issues in high-quality development and Chinese-style modernization, and were strong in terms of ideological connotation, providing guidance, and being targeted.” 李强指出，习近平总书记在全国“两会”期间的重要讲话，对高质量发展和中国式现代化建设的许多重大问题作了深刻阐述，具有很强的思想性、指导性、针对性.
Noting that tasks mentioned in the Central Economic Work Conference and the Government Work Report are key priorities of the State Council's work this year, Li urged government departments to be proactive and cooperative to fully execute the tasks. He made the following points:
First, we must focus our efforts on stabilizing expectations and growth, firmly grasp the overall situation and foundation of ‘stability’, quality should take precedence with efficiency being given priority, strengthen the combination of policies, increase policy support and service guarantee, and transmit confidence to society through practical actions and positive results. 一要集中精力稳预期稳增长，牢牢把握“稳”这个大局和基础，坚持质量第一、效益优先，强化政策组合拳效应，加大政策支持和服务保障力度，以实际行动和积极成效向社会传递信心.
Second, we must unswervingly transform our methods to increase momentum, strengthen the dominant position of enterprises in scientific and technological innovation, promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, improve support policies for emerging industries, plan and deploy future industries as early as possible, and develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions. 二要坚定不移转方式增动能，强化企业科技创新主体地位，推动传统产业转型升级，完善新兴产业支持政策，及早谋划布局未来产业，因地制宜发展新质生产力.
Third, we must deepen reform and opening up with greater determination and intensity, accelerate the implementation of established tasks, plan new initiatives in a timely manner, encourage grassroots innovation and active exploration and practice, and maximize the effects of reform and opening up. 三要以更大决心和力度深化改革开放，加快既定任务落地，及时谋划新的举措，鼓励基层发挥首创精神、积极探索实践，最大程度释放改革开放效应。
Fourth, we must resolve risks in key areas in a steady and orderly manner, better combine risk management with the promotion of high-quality development, deal with emerging problems in a timely manner, coordinate the promotion of risk resolution in all fields, and strive to take the initiative in work. 四要稳妥有序化解重点领域风险，把风险处置和推动高质量发展更好结合起来，及时出手处置苗头性问题，统筹推进各领域风险化解，努力掌握工作主动.
Fifth, we must effectively ensure and improve people’s livelihood, implement and refine basic livelihood security measures, firmly secure the bottom line of people’s livelihood, accomplish a batch of tangible projects that the masses can feel and benefit from, tighten the string of safety in development, and promote the formation of a virtuous cycle of economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. 五要切实做好保障和改善民生工作，落实落细基本民生保障措施，兜住兜牢民生底线，抓好办成一批群众可感可及的实事，绷紧安全发展这根弦，推动形成发展经济和改善民生的良性循环.
Sixth, we must vigorously improve the effectiveness of implementation, strictly implement responsibilities, advance work despite obstacles, and strengthen coordination to ensure that the final outcome of implementation is in line with the decision-making intentions of the Party Central Committee and meets the expectations of the people. 六要大力提升抓落实的效能，严格落实责任，压茬推进工作，强化协同配合，确保抓落实的最终效果符合党中央决策意图、顺应人民群众期待.