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Dr. Bahru Demissie, Communication and Publishing Consultant of the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia, was recently invited to the Seminar on Chinese Path to Modernization and African Development in east Chin’s Zhejiang Province. The seminar featured lectures by senior Chinese diplomats and scholars on China’s foreign policy and modernization. Having experienced China’s development first-hand, Dr. Demissie shared his insights on China-Africa relations in an op-ed on the Ethiopian Herald, an official Ethiopian newspaper, after returning from China.

Demissie highlighted the longstanding historical ties between China and Africa despite the geographical distance. He pointed out that Chinese explorers reached Africa even before Columbus. During the 15th century, Chinese fleets ventured to Madagascar, Kenya, Somalia, and other regions along the east coast of Africa. These explorations produced a map of the continent that closely resembles the one used today.

In his perspective, the impact of New China on Africa and China-Africa relations can be categorized into four phases. The first phase, spanning from 1949 to 1978, was characterized by traditional friendship, shared history, and opposition to imperialism. During this period, Chinese leaders visited numerous African countries, assisting in crucial infrastructure projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway, with Chinese workers making sacrifices for these African endeavors. In the 1960s, China actively supported Africa’s liberation movements, standing in true solidarity with Third World populations in their struggle against colonialism. Africa reciprocated with strong support for China’s restoration of its legitimate seat in the United Nations. The second phase, from 1978 to 2000, coincided with China’s reform and opening-up and its intensifying engagements with Africa. The establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 marked the third phase, lasting until 2012, the climax of which was the first FOCAC summit in Beijing in 2006 that reviewed and envisioned comprehensive China-Africa cooperation. The ongoing fourth phase, from 2012 to the present, anchors China-Africa relations in solidarity, cooperation, mutual benefit, and a win-win situation. China has showcased to the world its commitment to sincerity, equality, common development, justice, openness, inclusiveness, and prosperity. The introduction of the concept of a community of shared future for mankind reflects China’s vision for global collaboration.

Speaking of the new opportunities and challenges in China-Africa relations, Demissie highlighted that since the founding of New China, various forms of assistance and support have been provided to Africa. Apart from the BRI, China has set up diverse platforms to foster bilateral cooperation and development. These include initiatives for promoting agricultural products, vocational training, poverty alleviation, innovation, science and technology, as well as space stations. China’s contributions extend to the construction of an African Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, which serves the overall interest of the entire African continent. Notably, leaders or high-ranking officials from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have recently visited China. The spirit of China-Africa friendship has swept across China, leading to an increase in political trust and practical cooperation between the two sides. Frequent high-level exchanges and enhanced strategic trust underscore the deepening of consultations and dialogues across various spectrums. China-Africa trade volume is experiencing rapid growth, with China maintaining its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years. The relations between China and Africa have reached an unprecedented high. China is dedicated to ensuring stability and peace in Africa, advocating dialogue as a means to solve problems. It promotes a win-win approach to common security, urging the abandonment of Cold War and zero-sum mentality. China supports African nations in resolving their issues, emphasizing the pivotal role of the African Union and other regional organizations in maintaining peace and security. China emphasizes that it doesn’t seek to export its values, rather it encourages African countries to achieve modernization based on their unique circumstances instead of copying models elsewhere. Some believe that BRI has led certain developing countries into a “debt trap.” This is a blatant lie that does not stand a simple fact check.

Concluding his remarks, Demissie emphasized the enduring ties between China and Africa, underscoring their commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership. China is set to sustain support for Africa’s development through investments and assistance. Additionally, China will continue contributing to peace and security in Africa by actively participating in UN peacekeeping operations and offering support to the African Union. The new contributions from China are welcomed by African nations. Collectively, China and Africa are poised to march towards shared development and prosperity, further solidifying their vision of building a community of shared future.