On January 8, 2026 local time, when holding the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue with Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf at the AU headquarters, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and also the 36th consecutive year for Africa to be the destination of the Chinese Foreign Minister's first overseas trip in a new year. What are the reasons for this consistent tradition over the past 36 years?

First, it is the inheritance of the China-Africa friendship. China-Africa friendship was forged in their arm-in-arm struggle for the cause of national independence and liberation, and has matured through their respective national development and economic growth. At the start of the new year, it is only natural for China to visit its African brothers and sisters first, just as one would pay a New Year visit to relatives.

Second, it reflects the consistency of China's policy toward Africa. Both China's domestic and foreign policies have remained highly stable, providing valuable certainty to the world. This stability extends to China's interactions with Africa. Regardless of the changing international and regional circumstances, China will always be the first to extend a helping hand as a brother when Africa needs assistance, and the first to stand by as a friend when Africa seeks partners for cooperation.

Third, it demonstrates the solidarity of developing countries. Both China and Africa belong to the Global South and share similar historical experiences and common aspirations. The unity and concerted efforts of more than 2.8 billion people in China and Africa will enable them to overcome any difficulties and challenges, accelerate the pace of their shared path toward modernization, and contribute to a more equitable, cooperative, harmonious and stable world.