JOHANNESBURG – In a significant diplomatic move, the Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet African heads of state on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS summit. The announcement was made today by the Chinese ambassador to South Africa, signaling China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with African nations and fostering new avenues of partnership in what is being referred to as the “new era” of China-Africa relations.
The BRICS summit, which brings together the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is scheduled to take place next week. However, the spotlight has turned to the anticipated interactions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and African leaders during the summit. The meeting, set to take place late on Thursday, the last day of the three-day summit, is expected to be a focal point of discussions, as both sides seek to enhance collaboration and navigate shared challenges in the evolving global landscape.
China has long been a key partner for many African nations, with economic ties spanning trade, investment, infrastructure development, and various other sectors. The planned meeting between President Xi Jinping and African heads of state underscores China’s commitment to strengthening these relationships and exploring new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Ambassador Chen Xiaodong also said that on Tuesday just before the summit, Xi will pay a state visit to President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria and later travel to Johannesburg for the summit.
The “new era” of China-Africa cooperation underscores the evolving nature of the partnership, which is adapting to changing global dynamics and mutual interests. As African economies continue to grow and diversify, China’s engagement is expected to extend beyond traditional areas of cooperation, such as infrastructure projects, to encompass innovation, sustainable development, and skills transfer.
While specific details of the discussions are yet to be disclosed, experts anticipate that topics will range from economic cooperation and investment to technological innovation and sustainable development.
As diplomatic discussions unfold against the backdrop of the BRICS summit, the convergence of interests between China and Africa will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of their relationship in the years ahead. The summit is poised to mark another milestone in the enduring friendship between the two regions, solidifying their shared commitment to a prosperous and interconnected future.