| China-Africa Relations China is Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner since 2009, with trade totalling $282 billion in 2023. China imports metals, minerals, and fuels while exporting manufactured goods. China has faced criticism for fostering ‘debt trap diplomacy,’ though Beijing denies this claim. |
- China pledged $51 billion to African countries at the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
- Amid economic challenges, China seeks to shift its investment focus from large-scale projects to smaller, advanced green technologies, as African nations request more lending.
- Forum on China-Africa Cooperation: Established in 2000, FOCAC formalizes strategic partnerships between China and 53 African nations, excluding Eswatini.
- It meets every three years to strengthen political and economic ties under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- The 2024 summit, the largest diplomatic event hosted by China with UN Secretary-General António Guterres attending as a special guest.
Dig Deeper: Read about the India-Africa Forum Summit.
