Open Cooperation: The Key to a Prosperous Global Economy
As the world grapples with complex global challenges, China is charting a new course in its diplomatic relations, particularly with Africa. The recent Middle-East and Africa cooperation forum held in Beijing underscored China's commitment to deepening its ties with Africa, focusing on mutual benefits, and exploring new avenues of cooperation. China's vision for a new era of international relations, as outlined by President Xi Jinping, emphasizes the importance of openness, cooperation, and mutual benefits. This approach recognizes that countries have different strengths and weaknesses and that cooperation should be based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
13 June 2025
President Xi Jinping's concept of "open cooperation" has been a cornerstone of China's foreign policy, particularly in its relations with Africa. This concept is built on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration among nations to achieve common goals and address global challenges. In the context of China-Africa relations, "open cooperation" means that China is committed to working with African countries to promote economic development, improve people's livelihoods, and enhance regional peace and stability.
The China-Africa Cooperation Forum has made significant strides in fostering cooperation between China and African nations, demonstrating the vitality of mutual respect and shared interests. The forum has facilitated unprecedented growth in cooperation, with tangible outcomes in various sectors, including trade, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges. The Beijing Summit marked a new era in China-Africa relations, with both parties agreeing to implement the "Ten Major Cooperation Plans" and advance modernization in six key areas.
China has committed to providing new opportunities for the world through its modernization achievements and offering new driving forces for African and other global southern partners through its vast market. China is willing to negotiate and sign cooperative economic partnership agreements, implement zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, and provide more facilitation for the export of least developed African countries to China. Moreover, China aims to deepen cooperation with Africa in key areas such as green industry, e-commerce, technology, and artificial intelligence, while strengthening cooperation in security, finance, and the rule of law.
The principle of "open cooperation is the right path for humanity" is a guiding philosophy for China's economic and trade policies, both domestically and internationally. By promoting open cooperation and mutual benefit, China aims to create a more equitable and prosperous global economy, where all countries can benefit from trade and economic exchange. This principle is particularly relevant in the context of the China-US economic and trade talks, where both countries can work together to address trade imbalances, promote economic growth, and create a more stable and prosperous global economy.
The China-Africa Cooperation Forum has achieved significant success in promoting cooperation between China and Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding $200 billion in 2024. China has become Africa's largest trading partner, and African countries are increasingly looking to China as a key market for their products. In conclusion, China's commitment to open cooperation and mutual benefit has the potential to create new opportunities for growth, development, and prosperity, not just for China and Africa, but for all countries and peoples around the world. By working together, nations can promote economic growth, increase trade, and create a more stable and prosperous global economy, demonstrating that open cooperation is indeed the right path for humanity.
