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China and 53 African nations have reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthening the solidarity of the Global South, advancing multilateralism, and accelerating shared development through the newly issued Changsha Declaration, announced during the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Grounded in the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit, the declaration calls for the establishment of an ‘All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era,’ terming it as a model for global cooperation based on equality, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
The declaration asserts that the rise of the Global South is both a reality and an irreversible trend.
“We call on all countries to uphold multilateralism, resist protectionism, and work together toward a just, multipolar global order,”
“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,” the statement read
The Changsha Declaration directly critiques unilateral trade measures and “economic bullying,” urging countries, especially the United States, to resolve disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules.
Furthermore, the declaration calls for increased support to African nations, rejecting cuts to aid and urging the global community to support Africa’s socio-economic growth through investment, fair trade, and financial cooperation.
“Development assistance to African countries should be effectively increased, not unilaterally slashed, to provide continued support in improving livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing economic and social development,” the declaration emphasized, stressing that “the international community should give prioritized attention to the economic difficulties and development challenges” in the continent.
China’s zero-tariff access
A key highlight of the declaration is China’s commitment to implement 100% zero-tariff treatment for the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties. During the meeting, President Xi Jinping’s administration pledged to enhance market access, streamline customs procedures, and provide technical training, particularly benefiting the least developed countries on the continent.
“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,” read the statement
China also pledged to expedite negotiations to establish a stronger framework for trade and economic cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization, a framework that targets key sectors.
“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,” the statement read.
Security cooperation, financial collaboration, and support for the rule of law were identified as priority areas, aligning closely with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the broader Belt and Road Initiative.
“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,” the declaration stated.
