Latest news with #BeijingDeclaration
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
China's clever trade deal with Africa – removal of tariffs on most goods
While the US is alienating other countries with high import tariffs, China is making friends in Africa by scrapping most import tariffs. While the rest of the world is sidetracked with the unrest in the Middle East and US President Donald Trump's on-again, off-again import tariffs, China made a clever trade deal with Africa to remove tariffs on most African exports. This not only boosts its trade potential, it also expands Beijing's influence. Brendon Verster, economist at Oxford Economics Africa, says as the US retreats and turns its focus inward, China's economic incentives deepen ties, reinforcing it as Africa's key partner. 'This shift may weaken the US's leverage and reshape global alliances in China's favour, despite risks from its slowing economy.' Last week, China announced plans to eliminate all tariffs on imports from 53 African sovereign states it maintains diplomatic ties with. Eswatini is the only exception due to its recognition of Taiwan's sovereignty. The Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South advances the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration reached in September 2024, which in turn aims to 'jointly build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era,' Verster says. 'The move can be considered a push by Beijing to capitalise on the chaos caused by Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Although the agreement text does not mention him by name, it does note that the parties agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries.' ALSO READ: China risks its moral high ground in escalating trade tensions China rather wants to resolve disputes Verster points out that in addition, the declaration states that the parties 'call on all countries and the US in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. 'The new zero-tariff pledge marks a pronounced expansion of China's previous trade policy announced last year, which removed tariffs on imports from 33 countries globally that are deemed the least developed. 'Moreover, the continent's most underdeveloped economies, which already have full access to the Chinese market, will receive additional assistance to bolster their exports. These include measures on market access, inspection and quarantine and customs clearance.' Before the latest announcement, Chinese trade already dominated across Africa. Among the continent's major economies, the Asian giant outstrips the US as an export destination by a significant margin, especially in the DRC, accounting for 66% of goods exports, Angola (46.4%), Zimbabwe (20.1%) and Zambia (18.7%). ALSO READ: China challenges Trump's economic 'bullying' US ahead of China in some African economies However, Verster says, the US is still ahead of China in several economies, such as in Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya. He also points out that apart from trade, China is almost on par with the US in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI). According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's 2023 World Investment Report, FDI inflows to Africa from the US totalled $45 billion in 2021, down from $50 billion in 2017. FDI inflows from China were recorded at $44 billion in 2021, slightly higher than the $43 billion registered in 2017. This chart shows how China's trade deal solidifies an already solid position as Africa's key trade partner: Source: International Trade Centre, *Includes Hong Kong ALSO READ: SA eyes boost in trade with China at November expo China's removal of tariffs has implications for power dynamics with US Verster says China's step to remove all tariffs on most African goods has important implications for the continent as well as the evolving power dynamics between the US and China. 'From a geopolitical standpoint, China's move is a long-term bet on African alignment and growth as well as a deepening of its commitment to South-South cooperation. 'The US has been moving away from these policies and China's removal of tariffs is part of a wider architecture that also includes concessional loans and large-scale infrastructure spending. As Washington turns its focus inward and its engagement in Africa becomes increasingly transactional or conditional, Beijing is stepping in to fill the void with consistent and unconditional economic incentives.' He says China is entrenching its position as Africa's most significant economic partner and expanding the continent's export potential. 'The strategic move significantly boosts China's soft power and trade leverage, especially given the US's decisions to tighten trade restrictions and cut development funding. 'African countries stand to gain from potential export diversification, increased foreign exchange earnings and closer integration into global value chains. Still, the Chinese economy is losing steam, which could weigh on its import demand.' ALSO READ: China welcomes Cyril – and tightens ties with 8 agreements Africa to become major player in critical minerals market Verster says Africa is also poised to become a major player in the critical minerals market as the world shifts to sustainable practices. 'Beijing's move could be considered an attempt to keep the continent close as the scramble for critical minerals ramps up and China seeks to assert its dominance over these supply chains.' As China's trade diplomacy cultivates closer bilateral ties, the broader implication is a gradual decline in US influence in Africa. Verster believes that African leaders might be more inclined to support China's viewpoints on the global stage, which would diminish Western influence. 'Furthermore, Western attempts to establish international trade regulations or impose sanctions may lose their effectiveness as African economies become more integrated with Chinese supply chains and trade networks. 'In short, Beijing's zero-tariff policy is not just a trade initiative but a strategic manoeuvre to reshape its alliances with Africa, reduce the US's leverage and embed China more deeply in the African continent's economic and political future.'
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ambassador Anne Lafortune represents Seychelles at the Forum on China-Africa Coordination (FOCAC) Coordinators meeting in Changsha
On Wednesday 11th June 2025, Ambassador Anne Lafortune, the Seychelles Resident Ambassador in Beijing, People's Republic of China, attended the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Coordination (FOCAC) Summit, the latter was held in Beijing in September 2024. The meeting took stock of the current achievements since the 2024 FOCAC Summit, and discussed ways to advance the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and its Action Plan (2025-2027), which outlined China-Africa cooperation for the three years. The platform, which will commemorate its 25th anniversary since its establishment in October 2000, remains an important mechanism of collaboration between China and African nations, focusing on a win-win partnership and mutual prosperity. In her statement, Ambassador Lafortune reaffirmed Seychelles' commitment to the implementation of the principles and objectives of the FOCAC, which continue to unlock Africa's full potential. She commended President Xi's ten (10) partnership actions announced in September 2024, which responded to the evolving and distinct development needs of African countries. She also stated that 'Seychelles is proud to be part of this transformative endeavour'. She further emphasised that as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles values the support of the Government of China, which aligns closely with its national development strategy. Highlighting the excellent Sino-Seychelles relations, which have flourished over the years, creating pathways for sustainable growth and development, as the two countries near the significant milestone of 50 years of diplomatic ties next year. Ambassador Lafortune will also attend the special sessions of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), under the theme 'China and Africa: Together Towards Modernisation', supporting the economic and trade initiatives defined in the Ten Partnership Action. The Expo Ambassador Lafortune is accompanied by Ms. Wendy Isnard, Director of Bilateral Affairs in the Foreign Affairs Department and other staff from the Seychelles Embassy in Beijing. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.
See - Sada Elbalad
11-06-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
China-Africa Changsha Declaration On Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South
Nada Mustafa We, the representatives of the People's Republic of China, 53 African countries and the African Union Commission, guided by the consensus reached by our leaders during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), gathered in Changsha to advance the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era. I. We agree that the rise and growth of the Global South represents the trend of the times and the future of development. China and Africa are both important members of and staunch forces in the Global South. We call on all countries, especially countries in the Global South, to work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind, promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative. We commend the initiative of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era for its positive significance in safeguarding solidarity and cooperation of the Global South and defending multilateralism. II. We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address. III. Given that certain countries' attempt to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order by tariffs undermines the common good of the international community, we call on all countries, the United States in particular, to return to the right track of resolving trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect and mutual benefit. The international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges faced by African countries. Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support to help African countries improve people's livelihood, reduce poverty and boost economic and social development. IV. The African side commends China's courage and resolve to defend international equity and justice and safeguard international economic and trade order. China highly commends African countries' commitment to the basic principles of sovereignty, equality and justice and to upholding a common position in the face of external pressure. Unilateral concession cannot earn mutual respect. We resolutely oppose any party reaching a deal of compromise at the expense of the interests of other countries. V. We call on the international community to uphold true multilateralism in accordance with the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, safeguard the U.N.-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and make economic globalization more open, inclusive, mutually beneficial and balanced, so as to foster a better trade, investment and financing environment for the Global South. VI. We will join hands in cementing the foundation of sovereign equality, maintaining that all countries, regardless of their size or strength, are equal members of the international community, and resolutely upholding international justice and order. We will continue to safeguard each other's legitimate rights and interests, stand side by side with mutual understanding and support amid chaos and changes, stabilize this uncertain world with the certainty of the China-Africa relationship, establish a benchmark for sincere friendship and equality in the Global South, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world. VII. We will unite to support and put into practice the vision of openness, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stay committed to the six-point proposition on the joint endeavor to advance modernization, make solid progress in implementing the ten partnership actions for modernization, and support the implementation of the Second Ten Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 of the African Union. We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, independence and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. VIII. China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market. For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products. IX. China is ready to work with Africa to deepen the implementation of the ten partnership actions for modernization, prioritize cooperation in such key areas as green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, and enhance cooperation in security, finance and the rule of law, so as to promote high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation. X. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a fine example of solidarity and cooperation of the Global South. The List of the Outcomes of the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation provides a comprehensive, quantitative and tangible presentation of progress achieved. 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Qatar Tribune
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
ASEAN-GCC-China Summit hails Qatari mediation for Gaza truce
QNA Kuala Lumpur The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday commended Qatar's mediation efforts to forge a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip while expressing its condemnation of attacks against the Palestinian people. In a joint communique, the member statesexpressed their grave concern over the situation in the Gaza Strip and emphasized their condemnation of all attacks on civilians. They called for an enduring ceasefire and for facilitating the unhindered access of life-saving humanitarian aid and essential services to the Strip, in addition to essential compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. The conferees underscored their backing for the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024, which highlighted the imperative of ending the unlawful presence of the Israeli occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They further supported the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained while reaffirming their adherence to the pursuit of a two-state solution grounded in the 1967 borders. They welcomed the Saudi-led initiatives, conducted in collaboration with Norway and the European Union, aimed at paving the way toward the establishment of the State of Palestine and expressed their appreciation for China's pivotal role in fostering Palestinian national reconciliation, notably the signing of the 'Beijing Declaration' between Palestinian factions in July 2024. In addition, the conferees welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2024, which called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and underscored the urgent need to enable the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to fulfill its mandate across all areas of operation in full compliance with fundamental humanitarian principles. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to bolstering peace, security, stability, and prosperity on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation, grounded in international law and the principles laid out in the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The communique further underscored the importance of deepening ties between the GCC, ASEAN, and China and of advancing regional cooperation and economic development within the broader strategic landscapes of the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The members pointed to the enormous potential unlocked by the participating economies for the expansion of trade, investment, and joint economic collaboration. The communique stressed the importance of restoring confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, emphasizing the need to enhance economic resilience, promote environmental sustainability, and work toward a more inclusive, balanced, and equitable globalization. It further commended the ongoing efforts to build a community with a shared future, both within the ASEAN-China framework and through China-Arab relations while expressing interest in scaling up cooperation to confront transnational crime, terrorism, extremism, and the growing threats posed by cybercrime.
Qatar Tribune
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
ASEAN-GCC-China Summit hails Qatari mediation for Gaza ceasefire
KUALA LUMPUR: The ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday, commended Qatar's mediation efforts to forge a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip while expressing its condemnation of all attacks against the Palestinian people. In a joint communique, the member states in this summit expressed their grave concern over the situation in the Gaza Strip and emphasized their condemnation of all attacks on civilians. They called for an enduring ceasefire and for facilitating the unhindered access of life-saving humanitarian aid and essential services to the Strip, in addition to essential compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. The conferees underscored their backing for the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024, which highlighted the imperative of ending the unlawful presence of the Israeli occupation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. They further supported the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained while reaffirming their adherence to the pursuit of a two-state solution grounded in the 1967 borders. They welcomed the Saudi-led initiatives, conducted in collaboration with Norway and the European Union, aimed at paving the way toward the establishment of the State of Palestine and expressed their appreciation for China's pivotal role in fostering Palestinian national reconciliation, notably the signing of the 'Beijing Declaration' between Palestinian factions in July 2024. In addition, the conferees welcomed the UN General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2024, which called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza and underscored the urgent need to enable the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to fulfill its mandate across all areas of operation in full compliance with fundamental humanitarian principles. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to bolstering peace, security, stability, and prosperity on the basis of mutual respect and cooperation, grounded in international law and the principles laid out in the United Nations Charter, including respect for sovereignty and independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The communique further underscored the importance of deepening ties between the GCC, ASEAN, and China and of advancing regional cooperation and economic development within the broader strategic landscapes of the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The members pointed to the enormous potential unlocked by the participating economies for the expansion of trade, investment, and joint economic collaboration. The communique stressed the importance of restoring confidence in the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, emphasizing the need to enhance economic resilience, promote environmental sustainability, and work toward a more inclusive, balanced, and equitable globalization. It further commended the ongoing efforts to build a community with a shared future, both within the ASEAN-China framework and through China-Arab relations while expressing interest in scaling up cooperation to confront transnational crime, terrorism, extremism, and the growing threats posed by cybercrime.
