On June 11, 2025, the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held in Changsha, Hunan Province. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the opening ceremony that China and Africa, as the world's largest developing country and the continent home to the largest number of developing countries, together form the backbone of the Global South. He said that the more complex and turbulent the international landscape becomes, the more imperative it is for China and Africa to strengthen unity and self-reliance, stand firmly on the right side of history, actively steer the course of the times, and address the uncertainty in the world with the stability and resilience of China-Africa relations. Wang Yi, on behalf of China, put forward a five-point proposal to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

First, upholding mutual assistance and serving as defenders of solidarity among Global South countries. China and Africa should maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, further strengthen political mutual trust and continuously enhance the quality of the China-Africa community with a shared future. As the most trustworthy friend and reliable partner of African countries, China will, as always, speak up for African countries, fully support Africa's pursuit of integration, and fully support African countries in exploring their paths to modernization.

Second, upholding openness and serving as advocates for international free trade. Economic globalization is the only path forward for human progress. China and Africa should champion a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, and safeguard the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. China will continue to expand its openness toward Africa and implement measures of granting 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, providing more access to the Chinese market and more opportunities to support Africa's development.

Third, upholding mutual benefit and win-win results and serving as partners in global development cooperation. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that on the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind. China calls on the international community to give serious attention to the development challenges faced by Africa and to increase rather than drastically reduce development assistance to Africa. China will accelerate the implementation of the ten partnership actions, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and carry out the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development, promoting high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation.

Fourth, upholding fairness and justice, and serving as defenders of an equitable international order. China and Africa should continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, jointly oppose hegemonism and bullying, and make the international order more just and equitable. China will continue to firmly support Africa in playing a greater role on the international stage, redress the historical injustices suffered by Africa, and enhance Africa's representation and voice in the global governance system. The G20 Summit will be held on the African continent for the first time this year, and China supports South Africa in fulfilling its role as the rotating presidency and leaving a distinct "African imprint" on global governance.

Fifth, upholding exchanges and mutual learning, and serving as promoters of the diversity of world civilizations. The year 2026 will mark the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges", and China and Africa will jointly release the concept paper today. The two sides should make full use of various channels such as those in the business community, academia, and civil society to deepen cultural integration between China and Africa and foster greater mutual understanding and affinity among the people. China will implement the initiatives announced by President Xi Jinping, and continue to expand exchanges and cooperation with Africa in education, youth, women, broadcasting, and other areas to strengthen the public support for lasting China-Africa friendship.