Joint Statement on GDI - China-Congo Joint Statement - Xi Meets More African Leaders
Here are the key reports and articles that I found noteworthy from the People’s Daily’s edition on Saturday, September 07, 2024.
It’s the holiday edition, but I thought it would be worth wrapping up the final few meetings on the sidelines of FOCAC. If you research China-Africa ties, then this week’s editions should likely be useful, since I’ve tried to cover every meeting that Xi Jinping had. By my count, including the one’s covered today, Xi met with 40 African leaders and the UN Secretary General.
Page 1: Once again, the entire front page is dedicated to Xi Jinping’s meetings with visiting African leaders. First, Xi’s meeting with President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso.
Xinhua reports:
Xi said that “China will work with the Republic of Congo to better play their leading role as FOCAC co-chairs and to show the firm resolve of China and Africa to jointly build an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.”
The report adds:
Xi Jinping suggested that China and the Republic of Congo should play “four roles”, i.e., be leaders in building a community with a shared future, be pioneers in the joint construction of BRI, be models of people-to-people connectivity and be models of unity and cooperation. Xi Jinping stressed that China appreciates the firm and clear support given by the Congolese side on all issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns, and is willing to deepen exchanges of experience in national governance with the Congolese side, strengthen exchanges in all fields and at all levels, and jointly explore the path of modernization development. China supports Congo in developing a diversified economy, encourages Chinese enterprises to participate in key infrastructure and regional connectivity projects in Congo, and seeks to expand cooperation in agriculture, the digital economy, and green development. China also wishes to deepen cultural exchanges and encourages the people of both countries to actively engage in fostering friendly relations between China and Congo. China is willing to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence with Congo and strengthen international cooperation in global governance, creating a more favourable international environment for the development and revitalization of developing countries.
As per the report, Denis Sassou Nguesso praised China saying that it had become a “global power”. The Chinese people “are justifiably proud” and the “people of Congo deeply admire and sincerely congratulate China.” He pointed out that over the years, many Chinese companies have participated in the construction of projects in the fields of fisheries, mining, energy, infrastructure, etc, in Congo. He added that “Congo firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. This position is unshakable”.
The two sides inked deals in areas like BRI, joint development of economic partnership, green and low-carbon development, housing and urban construction, investment and economic cooperation, animal and plant quarantine for imports and exports, the export of Poria mushrooms to China, the digital economy, human resources, and the media. Both sides issued a joint statement on deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and building a high-level China-Congo community with a shared future.
The joint statement is available on Page 3. Some key points:
Both sides emphasised that strong political mutual trust, similar ideals and beliefs, and firm mutual support are the three magic weapons for the steady and long-term development of China-Congo relations. China reiterated its firm support for the Congolese side in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, and firmly opposed external forces interfering in the internal affairs of the Congolese side. Congo reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China principle, stating that there is only one China in the world, Taiwan is an inseparable part of China’s territory, and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the only legitimate government representing all of China. Congo resolutely opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ and external interference in China’s internal affairs. Congo also reaffirmed that it will not engage in any official exchanges with Taiwan and fully supports all efforts by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification. Congo firmly supports China’s stance on issues related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. 双方强调，高度的政治互信、相似的理想追求、坚定的相互支持是中刚关系行稳致远的三大法宝。中方重申坚定支持刚方维护国家主权、安全和发展利益，坚决反对外部势力干涉刚方内政。刚方重申坚定奉行一个中国原则，认为世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，中华人民共和国政府是代表全中国的唯一合法政府，坚决反对任何形式的“台湾独立”，反对外部势力干涉中国内政，重申不同台湾进行任何形式的官方往来，坚定支持中国政府为实现国家统一所作一切努力。刚方坚定支持中方在涉港、涉疆、涉藏等问题上的立场.
The document talks about opposing “hegemony and power politics”; cherishing, inheriting and carrying forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence; the two sides agreed to oppose “decoupling and breaking of chains, firmly resist unilateralism and protectionism, and call for the reform of the international financial system to improve development financing for African countries and achieve common prosperity”; it talks about expanding the representation of developing countries, particularly African countries, at the UNSC, etc.
The two sides agreed that human rights are the common cause of all mankind. All countries must uphold the right to survival and development as the primary basic human rights. The human rights development path of each country must be determined according to its national conditions and the wishes of its people. Human rights exchanges and cooperation should be carried out on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment. 双方一致认为，人权是全人类共同事业，各国要坚持以生存权、发展权为首要的基本人权，各国人权发展道路必须根据各国国情和本国人民意愿来决定，应在相互尊重和平等相待基础上开展人权交流与合作.
The section on BRI doesn’t have anything particularly new. It says: “Both sides are willing to actively explore the negotiation and signing of a framework agreement on economic partnership for common development, promote more flexible and pragmatic trade and investment liberalization and facilitation arrangements, and provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional guarantees for China-Congo economic and trade cooperation.” 双方愿积极探讨商签共同发展经济伙伴关系框架协定，推动更加灵活务实的贸易投资自由化便利化安排，为中刚经贸合作提供长期、稳定、可预期的制度保障. It also talks about health cooperation and cooperation in infrastructure construction, energy, mining, forestry, civil aviation and other fields.
The section on GDI says that “China appreciates Congo joining the Group of Friends of GDI. The two sides will further deepen cooperation in areas such as food security, digital economy, green development and blue economy.” Also, the two sides will further strengthen cooperation in the fields of industry, agriculture, higher education, vocational and technical education, and human resources training. （十四）中方赞赏刚方加入“全球发展倡议之友小组”。双方将进一步深化两国在粮食安全、数字经济、绿色发展、蓝色经济等领域合作。（十五）刚方赞赏习近平主席在中非领导人对话会上提出的“支持非洲工业化倡议”、“中国助力非洲农业现代化计划”和“中非人才培养合作计划”。双方将进一步加强工业、农业、高等教育、职业技术教育、人力资源培训等领域合作.
The section on GSI says: “The Congolese side highly appreciates China’s significant contribution to maintaining world peace and stability. China appreciates President Sassou’s efforts in mediating the Libyan issue and other international and regional hotspot issues. Both sides called for promoting a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis and for the international community to play a constructive role in promoting de-escalation of the situation and promoting peace talks. The Congolese side welcomed the ‘Common Understandings Between China and Brazil on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis’. China highly appreciates the Congolese side’s active participation in mediating the Ukrainian crisis. The two sides agreed to further deepen exchanges and cooperation on peace and security, strengthen high-level exchanges between the two countries' militaries and police, and enhance exchanges and cooperation in areas such as personnel training, equipment technology, and joint exercises and training.（十八）刚方高度评价中国为维护世界和平稳定所作重大贡献。中方赞赏萨苏总统为调停斡旋利比亚问题等国际和地区热点问题所作努力。（十九）双方呼吁，要推动政治解决乌克兰危机，国际社会共同为推动局势降温、劝和促谈发挥建设性作用。刚方欢迎《中国、巴西关于政治解决乌克兰危机的共识》。中方高度赞赏刚方积极参与斡旋乌克兰危机。（二十）双方同意进一步深化和平安全交流合作，密切两国军队、警务高层交往，加强人员培训、装备技术、联演联训等领域交流合作.
The section on GCI talks about cooperation in the fields of education, culture, art, media, youth and sports. It also covers cooperation in radio, television, newspapers and online media, along with Chinese education in Congo.
Next, there’s a consolidated report on Xi’s meetings.
First, the report on Xi’s meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud says that the two sides elevated ties to a strategic partnership. It adds:
“Xi Jinping stressed that both China and Somalia shoulder the historical mission of achieving complete national reunification. China supports Somalia in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity and supports Somalia's peace and development process. The two sides should firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns. China is willing to continue to support Somalia’s economic and social development, tap the potential for cooperation, expand development space, and take the opportunity of implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC summit to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, fisheries, and human resources training. China will continue to provide funding for international peacekeeping operations in Somalia and support Somalia in enhancing its independent development and counter-terrorism and stability maintenance capabilities. Congratulations to Somalia on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and its formal accession to the East African Community. China is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with Somalia and safeguard international justice.” 习近平强调，中索都肩负着实现国家完全统一的历史使命。中方支持索马里维护国家主权和领土完整，支持索马里和平和发展进程。双方要在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上坚定相互支持。中方愿继续支持索马里经济社会发展，同索方挖掘合作潜能，拓展发展空间，以落实此次中非合作论坛北京峰会成果为契机，加强经贸、渔业、人力资源培训等领域合作。中方将继续向国际索马里维和行动提供资助，支持索马里增强自主发展和反恐维稳能力。祝贺索马里当选联合国安理会非常任理事国、正式加入东非共同体，中方愿同索方加强多边协作，维护国际公义.
Mohamud said that China was “a reliable and trustworthy partner and friend”. He believes “that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China will surely be able to build a modern power as scheduled, and at the same time lead Africa and the world to achieve common development.” The two sides signed bilateral cooperation documents covering fields such as radio and television.
Second, the report on Xi’s meeting with Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye saw ties being elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The report adds:
Continuously advancing China-Burundi relations aligns with the interests of both countries and serves as a model for the unity and self-reliance for countries in the Global South.
“Xi Jinping stressed that China supports Burundi in opposing external interference and taking an independent development path. China is willing to continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, strengthen experience exchange and capacity building cooperation in the fields of reform and development, rural revitalization, and poverty alleviation, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in the fields of infrastructure, agriculture, economy and trade, deepen cultural exchanges, and consolidate the foundation of traditional friendship…China is willing to strengthen international cooperation with Burundi, safeguard the common interests of developing countries, and work together to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. 习近平强调，中方支持布方反对外来干涉，走独立自主的发展道路，愿同布方继续在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上坚定相互支持，加强改革发展、乡村振兴、脱贫攻坚等领域经验交流和能力建设合作，推进基础设施、农业、经贸等领域互利合作，深化人文交流，夯实传统友好基础。祝贺布隆迪当选第79届联合国大会第三委员会主席国。中方愿同布方加强国际协作，维护发展中国家共同利益，携手推动构建人类命运共同体。
Ndayishimiye said that Burundi welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in Burundi and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in mining, agriculture, infrastructure and other fields. The two slides signed deals in the fields of the BRI cooperation plan, economic partnership, agricultural cooperation, and coffee beans exports to China.
Third, the readout from Xi’s meeting with Liberian President Joseph Nyumah Boakai says that the two sides elevated ties to a strategic partnership. The report adds:
“Xi Jinping stressed that China appreciates President Boakai’s adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to strengthen exchanges and dialogues with Liberia, support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, and safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. China is willing to provide support to Liberia’s infrastructure construction within its capacity and strengthen cooperation in areas such as shipping, agriculture and resource development. China and Liberia are both members of the Global South. Together with other developing countries, they should jointly safeguard fairness and justice and promote global governance in a more just and equitable direction.” 习近平强调，中方赞赏博阿凯总统坚持恪守一个中国原则，愿同利方加强交流对话，在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上相互支持，维护国家主权、安全、发展利益。中方愿为利方基础设施建设提供力所能及的支持，加强海运、农业、资源开发等领域合作。中利两国同为全球南方成员，要同其他发展中国家一道，共同维护公平正义，推动全球治理朝更加公正合理的方向发展.
Boakai said that China is a true friend of Liberia. I would like to reiterate that the Liberian government firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is committed to developing a strategic partnership with China. The report says that they inked a deal in shipping.
Fourth, the report on Xi’s meeting with with Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan says:
“Xi Jinping stressed that China is concerned about the current development of the situation in Sudan and supports Sudan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and taking its future and destiny into its own hands. It is hoped that Sudan will restore peace and stability as soon as possible, return to the track of development, and the people will be able to enjoy a stable life. China will continue to uphold justice for its Sudanese friends at multilateral forums, such as the United Nations and strive for a good external environment for promoting the political settlement of the Sudanese issue.”习近平强调，中方关注当前苏丹局势发展，支持苏丹维护国家主权、独立和领土完整，把前途和命运掌握在自己手中。希望苏丹尽快恢复和平稳定，重回发展轨道，人民过上安稳生活。中方将继续在联合国等多边场合为苏丹朋友主持公道，为推动苏丹问题政治解决争取良好外部环境。
Among other things, Al-Burhan reportedly said that “the Sudanese people hold deep gratitude and respect for China. Sudan firmly adheres to the One-China policy and resolutely opposes any actions that undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” 苏丹人民对中国深怀感激和敬意。苏丹坚定奉行一个中国政策，坚决反对一切损害中国主权和领土完整的行为.
Fifth, the report on Xi’s meeting with President of Madagascar Andry Nirina Rajoelina says that ties were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation.
Xi said that “China supports Madagascar in independently exploring a path of modernization that suits its national conditions, and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Madagascar, expand pragmatic cooperation, continue to implement hybrid rice technical assistance projects, and explore strengthening cooperation in mining, new energy, blue economy, disaster prevention and mitigation and other fields. China supports the development of Luban Workshop and Confucius Institute in Madagascar, and will help Madagascar cultivate more modern high-quality talents. It will strengthen youth, cultural, local and other cultural exchanges, and continuously consolidate the public opinion foundation of friendship between the two countries.” 中方支持马达加斯加独立自主探索符合本国国情的现代化道路，愿同马方加强交流合作，拓宽务实合作，继续实施好杂交水稻技术援助项目，探讨加强矿业、新能源、蓝色经济、防灾减灾等领域合作。中方支持鲁班工坊、孔子学院在马达加斯加发展，助力马方培养更多现代化高素质人才。加强青年、文化、地方等人文交流，不断夯实两国友好民意基础。
Rajoelina praised the “outstanding leadership of President Xi Jinping” and backed BRI and the three global initiatives. China and Madagascar signed a number of bilateral cooperation documents in the fields of aquatic products export to China and infrastructure.
Sixth, the report on Xi’s meeting with Gambian President Adama Barrow says that ties were elevated to a strategic partnership. It adds:
Xi said that “the two sides should continue to firmly support each other on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, consolidate and maintain the friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, and promote the steady and long-term development of bilateral relations.” He added that “China will continue to send medical teams to the Gambia, support the development of Chinese education in The Gambia, encourage more Gambian youth to come to China for exchanges, and enhance people-to-people exchanges.” Xi also congratulated The Gambia on the successful hosting of the 15th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. China is willing to deepen cooperation with the Gambia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.” 双方要继续在涉及彼此核心利益和重大关切问题上坚定相互支持，巩固和维护好两国友好互信，促进两国关系行稳致远。习近平强调，很高兴中方援建和合作的项目改善了冈比亚人民的生活。此次中非合作论坛北京峰会在工业、农业、基础设施建设等领域推出了一系列合作新举措。中方愿同冈方一道，以落实此次峰会成果为契机，推动中冈合作取得更多成果，助力冈比亚经济增长、民生改善。中方将继续向冈方派遣医疗队，支持冈比亚中文教育发展，鼓励更多冈比亚青年来华交流，增进民心相通。祝贺冈比亚成功举办伊斯兰合作组织第十五届首脑会议，中方愿同冈比亚和伊斯兰合作组织深化合作.
Barrow said that “China has always been a doer and has always kept its promises. Gambia believes that China represents hope and the future, and only through deepening cooperation with China can national development be achieved. The Gambia is willing to be a loyal friend to China. It hopes to continuously enrich the content of the bilateral relationship and deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, economics, and culture. The Gambia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to work closely with China in multilateral cooperation and continue to support China's position on human rights and other issues.” 中国从来都是行动派，一向说到做到. 冈比亚相信，中国意味着希望和未来，唯有同中国深化合作，才有可能实现国家发展。冈比亚愿做中国忠诚的朋友。冈方希望同中方不断丰富两国关系内涵，深化经贸、人文等领域合作。冈方坚定奉行一个中国政策，愿同中方密切多边协作，继续支持中方在人权等问题上的立场.
Seventh, the report on Xi’s meeting with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera mentions the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. It adds that Xi appreciated CAR’s “support on issues concerning China’s core interests, and will continue to support CAR’s efforts to safeguard national independence, security and stability.” He added that “China is willing to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance with CAR to create a better and happier life for the people of the two countries. I hope your country will create a safer business environment for Chinese companies.” 中方愿同中非加强治国理政经验交流，为两国人民创造更加美好幸福的生活。希望贵国为中国企业创造更加安全的营商环境.
Touadera said that apart from Beijing, he also visited Shandong, Chongqing and Tianjin, and “personally experienced the achievements of Chinese-style modernization. These are the practical results of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. I am willing to continue to learn from China’s successful ideas and experiences.” 除北京外，我还访问了山东、重庆和天津，亲身领略了中国式现代化的成就，这些都是习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想的实践成果，我愿不断学习借鉴中方成功理念经验。
He added that “the Central African Republic firmly adheres to the one-China principle and believes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. China’s foreign policy is conducive to promoting world peace and development. The Central African Republic highly appreciates China’s leading role in international affairs and is willing to work closely with China in multilateral cooperation.”m 中非共和国坚定恪守一个中国原则，认为台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分。中国外交政策有利于促进世界和平和发展，中非共和国高度赞赏中方在国际事务中发挥的引领作用，愿同中方密切多边协作.
He talked about deepening cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, mineral energy, digital economy, capacity building and other fields. The two sides inked deals in BRI cooperation and news media cooperation.
Finally, the report on Xi’s meeting with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir says that ties were elevated to a strategic partnership.
Xi said that China is willing to share development experience and opportunities with South Sudan, continue to implement projects such as education and technology, strengthen cooperation in oil, mining, agriculture and other fields, and help diversify South Sudan's economy. 中方愿同南方分享发展经验和机遇，继续实施教育技术等项目，加强石油、矿业、农业等领域合作，助力南苏丹经济多元化.
“Xi Jinping stressed that China supports South Sudan in steadily advancing its political transition process, opposes external forces interfering in South Sudan’s internal affairs, supports the South Sudanese people in taking their future and destiny into their own hands, and wishes for South Sudan to achieve lasting peace and development at an early date. China will continue to speak up for South Sudan at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and safeguard South Sudan's legitimate rights and interests.” 习近平强调，中方支持南苏丹稳步推进政治过渡进程，反对外部势力干涉南苏丹内政，支持南苏丹人民把前途命运掌握在自己手中，祝愿南苏丹早日实现持久和平和发展，中方将继续在联合国等多边场合为南方仗义执言，维护南苏丹正当权益.
Kiir said that South Sudan firmly adheres to the one-China policy and hopes to continuously develop the strategic partnership between the two countries. South Sudan will strive to provide a safe and good environment for Chinese companies to operate in South Sudan. 南苏丹坚定奉行一个中国政策，希望不断发展两国战略伙伴关系。南苏丹将努力为中国企业在南苏丹经营提供安全良好的环境.
Page 3: The full Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of GDI is published in the paper. Xinhua has the English version. This doesn’t have any new commitments, per se.
Parties expressed their readiness to step up strategic coordination and deepen development cooperation under the GDI, to contribute to the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Parties recalled that since the launch of the GDI, China and Africa have joined forces and mutually supported each other in exploring paths towards modernization, further implementing the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, advancing the nine programs to a high standard, as well as completing 175 “small and beautiful” livelihood cooperation projects. More than 30 African members of the FOCAC have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI and the Global Development Promotion Center Network to put in place an efficient working mechanism and platform for alignment in development policies, coordination of development resources and facilitation of joint actions.
We urged developed countries to fulfill their Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitment to developing countries, especially African countries.
Parties agreed to support the United Nations in steering and coordinating global development cooperation and increase the representation and voice of the Global South represented by China and Africa in global governance. They will jointly endeavor to forge a united, equal, balanced and inclusive global development partnership by leveraging the Group of Friends of the GDI and the Global Development Promotion Center Network and relying on multilateral platforms such as the China-Africa (Ethiopia)-UN (UNIDO) Center of Excellence.
Parties agreed to intensify policy dialogue, experience sharing, capacity building and practical cooperation, with a focus on poverty alleviation, food security, healthcare, industrialization, climate change and green development, connectivity in the digital era, and human resources development. China is poised to create more exchange, training and scholarship opportunities in China to empower African youth for sustainable development.
Parties agreed to develop and utilize the Global Development Project Pool and the Global Development Capital Pool following the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits and make the most of the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and the special fund of USD 14 billion for the GDI implementation. Continued efforts will be made to explore new financing ways of international development cooperation and deepen bilateral, multilateral and tripartite cooperation.