Xi Jinping’s Speech at the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation: “Unprecedented” China-Africa Relations
Background
On September 3, 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 6th China-Africa Forum, held in Beijing. This annual event is a platform for strengthening relations between China and African countries.
Significance of the Speech
Xi’s speech emphasized deepening China-Africa partnerships, with an emphasis on eight key areas: politics, trade, finance, infrastructure, people-to-people exchanges, peace and security, climate change, and debt sustainability.
Military Aid Announcements
Regarding peace and security, Xi announced several military aid measures. He pledged to provide $100 million in military grants and interest-free loans, along with an additional 500 military personnel trainings per year. Xi also promised to establish a peacekeeping standby force of 8,000 troops and build a counter-terrorism cooperation center in Africa.
African Peacekeeping Mission
“China will, as its capability allows, send more peacekeepers to Africa,” Xi stated, “and we will establish a Chinese peacekeeping police squad.”
Training and Equipment
Xi further expressed China’s intent to provide military training and equipment, stating, “China will continue providing assistance to African countries in their peacekeeping missions, including personnel training, capacity building, and the provision of equipment.”
Counter-Terrorism Cooperation Center
Xi announced plans to build a counter-terrorism cooperation center in Africa, stating that it would “promote security and development in Africa.” This commitment reinforces China’s ongoing efforts to address terrorism and security challenges on the continent.
China-Africa Relations: An Introduction
China-Africa relations have a long and rich history that dates back to ancient times.
Historical context and development
The earliest recorded exchanges between China and Africa can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), when African slaves were brought to China as part of tribute missions. Over the centuries, cultural and commercial ties continued to strengthen, with Africa exporting gold, ivory, and slaves, while China sent goods such as porcelain, textiles, and gunpowder.
Recent strengthening of ties under Xi Jinping’s administration
In recent years, China-Africa relations have experienced a new wave of strengthening, particularly under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Since taking office in 2013, Xi has prioritized Africa as a key component of China’s diplomatic and economic strategies. He has visited several African countries, pledged billions of dollars in aid and investment, and launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes numerous projects in Africa.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC): A Platform for Strengthening Ties
Established in 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) provides a crucial platform for China and Africa to strengthen cooperation and coordination. The forum holds a summit every three to five years, bringing together leaders from both continents to discuss issues of mutual interest.
African Union (AU)
China’s partnership with the African Union (AU) is an integral part of FOCAIn 2015, China and the AU upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership, marking a new high point in bilateral ties.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
The BRI is a significant component of FOCAC, with numerous projects planned or underway in Africa. These include infrastructure development, energy production, and industrial cooperation. The initiative aims to boost economic growth, create jobs, and promote sustainable development on the African continent.
Key Points from Xi Jinping’s Speech at the 2018 FOCAC Summit in Beijing, China
Brief overview of China-Africa relations under Xi Jinping’s leadership:
Under the leadership of Xi Jinping, China-Africa relations have experienced a new surge in cooperation. Xi emphasized the importance of South-South cooperation, which prioritizes mutual benefits and win-win outcomes, during his speech. China has increasingly engaged with Africa in various sectors, including the economic, political, cultural, and security spheres.
Economic sector:
China has become Africa’s largest trading partner since 2009 and the third-largest source of foreign direct investment. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a significant component of China’s economic engagement with Africa, with over 40 African countries signing up to participate.
Political sector:
China has enhanced political cooperation with Africa, as evidenced by the establishment of the China-Africa Cooperation Mechanism in 2015. China supports African countries’ efforts to safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as promote peace and stability on the continent.
Cultural sector:
Cultural exchanges have been strengthened between China and Africa, with increasing numbers of Chinese language learners in Africa and the establishment of Confucius Institutes. Additionally, China has provided scholarships for African students to study in Chinese universities.
Security sector:
China’s security cooperation with Africa includes peacekeeping missions, military training, and anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden. China has also provided security assistance to African countries, including equipment and personnel.
Eight Major Initiatives for China-Africa Cooperation (2019-2025):
Xi outlined the “Eight Major Initiatives for China-Africa Cooperation” during the 2018 FOCAC Summit, which will span from 2019 to 2025. These initiatives focus on:
Policy coordination:
Strengthening policy coordination between China and Africa through the FOCAC mechanism, ensuring that cooperation remains aligned with African development priorities.
Practical cooperation:
Deepening practical cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, financing, and people-to-people bonds to promote sustainable development.
Capacity building:
Enhancing capacity building in agriculture and industrialization, helping African countries develop their economies and improve the livelihoods of their people.
Infrastructure connectivity:
Advancing infrastructure connectivity through projects such as the BRI, which will improve transportation links and facilitate trade between China and Africa.
5. Energy cooperation:
Expanding energy cooperation and promoting green development, ensuring that China’s engagement with Africa in the energy sector is sustainable and contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.
6. Health care and social welfare:
Improving health care and social welfare through increased investment in hospitals, medical facilities, and capacity building initiatives for African health professionals.
7. Cultural exchanges:
Promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people bonds, which will help foster stronger relationships between China and African countries.
8. Security cooperation:
Enhancing security cooperation and peacekeeping missions, which will help strengthen Africa’s capacity to maintain peace and stability, as well as protect its citizens.
I Military Aid Announcements from Xi Jinping’s Speech
Background on China’s military presence in Africa
China’s military involvement in Africa has a historical context dating back to the 1950s and 1960s when China provided diplomatic and military support to African countries during their struggle for independence. Motivated by geopolitical considerations, economic interests, and the desire for diplomatic influence, China’s military presence in Africa has grown significantly in recent years. This includes peacekeeping missions, military training and cooperation, and arms sales.
Peacekeeping missions:
China has sent more than 3,000 peacekeepers to Africa since 1990, making it the largest troop contributor among permanent members of the UN Security Council. China’s participation in peacekeeping missions is seen as a way to promote its image as a responsible global power and to build diplomatic relationships with African countries.
Military training:
China has provided military training to thousands of African soldiers and officers since the late 1990s. The scope of courses offered includes language, military science, engineering, medicine, and politics. This has helped to strengthen China’s relationships with African countries while also providing an opportunity for Chinese military personnel to gain valuable international experience.
Arms sales:
China has been Africa’s largest arms supplier since the late 1990s, accounting for over 30% of African countries’ total arms imports. Chinese weapons have been used in conflicts across Africa, raising concerns about their role in fueling instability and violence on the continent.
Announcements during Xi Jinping’s speech at the 2018 FOCAC summit
During his speech at the 2018 FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced several initiatives related to military cooperation and aid.
Military training and cooperation:
China will provide more military training to African countries, increasing the number of trainees and expanding the scope of courses offered. This is part of China’s broader effort to strengthen military-to-military relations with African countries.
Peacekeeping missions:
China will continue its support for peacekeeping missions in Africa, including providing more personnel and logistical support. This reflects China’s commitment to contributing to regional stability and addressing security challenges faced by African countries.
Military aid:
China will provide military aid to African countries, focusing on the areas of peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief. This is part of China’s broader effort to strengthen its partnership with African countries through practical cooperation.
Defense industry cooperation:
China will deepen defense industry cooperation with African countries, including technology transfer and joint production of military equipment. This is part of China’s broader effort to promote economic development in Africa while also strengthening its military-to-military relations with the continent.
Significance of these announcements
These military aid and cooperation announcements from Xi Jinping’s speech are significant for several reasons:
Strengthening China’s strategic partnership with African countries:
The military cooperation and aid announced by Xi Jinping at the FOCAC summit are part of China’s broader effort to strengthen its strategic partnership with African countries. This reflects China’s recognition of the importance of Africa as a key region for global economic and political developments.
Enhancing China’s influence and presence in Africa:
These military initiatives also enhance China’s influence and presence in Africa through practical cooperation. By providing military training, peacekeeping personnel, and military aid, China is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the security challenges faced by African countries while also building diplomatic relationships.
Addressing security challenges and contributing to regional stability:
Finally, these military initiatives are significant in their potential to address security challenges and contribute to regional stability in Africa. By providing military aid and cooperation, China is demonstrating its commitment to contributing to peacekeeping efforts and addressing counter-terrorism and disaster relief needs.
Conclusion
Recap of Xi Jinping’s speech at the 2018 FOCAC summit and its implications for China-Africa relations
At the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced an additional $60 billion worth of financial support to Africa over the next three years. This pledge was made during Xi’s keynote speech, where he emphasized China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Africa and promoting a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership. This financial assistance includes grants, interest-free loans, and concessional loans, and it covers various sectors such as infrastructure development, industrial promotion, human resources development, and peace and security. The Chinese leader further reiterated China’s stance on Africa’s issues, including its support for African countries in pursuing their own development paths and achieving sustainable economic growth.
Analysis of military aid announcements and their significance for African countries and regional stability
During the same summit, Xi Jinping also announced China’s decision to provide military aid worth $1 billion over the next three years to African countries. This military assistance includes grants, interest-free loans, and technical services, and it covers various areas such as peacekeeping, military training, and defense equipment supply. The significance of this military aid lies in its potential impact on regional stability and China’s growing role in African security affairs. With China becoming one of the largest providers of military assistance to Africa, it could lead to increased interdependence between China and African countries in the field of security. However, this military cooperation also raises concerns about China’s motivations and potential long-term implications for Africa’s defense capabilities and sovereignty.
Future prospects and challenges of China-Africa cooperation, particularly in the areas of security and defense industry cooperation
The future of China-Africa cooperation looks promising, with numerous opportunities for collaboration in various sectors. However, there are also challenges that need to be addressed, particularly in the areas of security and defense industry cooperation. One major challenge is ensuring transparency and accountability in China’s military engagement with African countries. Another challenge is addressing the potential risks associated with excessive dependence on Chinese aid and investment, such as debt sustainability and environmental concerns. Furthermore, there is a need to balance China’s growing influence in Africa with that of other global powers and ensure that African countries maintain their agency in shaping their own development trajectories.
