The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa has announced the launch of the insightful book titled Xi Jinping and the Flourishing Forum on China-Africa Co-operation in the New Era.
The event, held at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria last week, marked a significant milestone in celebrating and understanding the evolving and deepening ties between China and Africa.
The book, co-authored by Dr Paul Tembe, a leading scholar and expert in Sino-African relations, delves into the transformative impact of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation (FOCAC) since its inception 24 years ago. It provides a comprehensive analysis of how FOCAC has become a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, fostering sustainable development, peace, and mutual prosperity.
The event commenced with the official FOCAC film, showcasing the achievements and milestones of China-Africa co-operation. This was followed by the keynote address delivered by Wu Peng, Ambassador of China to South Africa.
In his speech, Wu provided a comprehensive overview of the historical and strategic significance of the China-Africa partnership. He highlighted the parallel developments in South Africa and China, noting the alignment of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s reform initiatives with the ongoing deepening reforms in China led by President Xi Jinping.
Wu emphasised that this shared vision for modernisation and development has solidified the relationship between China and South Africa. He also underscored China’s long-term commitment to enhancing solidarity and co-operation with African nations, particularly through the FOCAC framework.
He noted that FOCAC has become an exemplar of international co-operation with Africa, driving forward numerous development projects across the continent. Citing examples such as the construction of vital infrastructure and the advancement of green energy initiatives, Wu Peng illustrated how China’s engagement in Africa is both broad and deep, impacting millions of lives and creating new opportunities for growth and development.
Several distinguished speakers graced the occasion, including:
Comrade Lindiwe Zulu, ANC National Executive member, who spoke on the historical and contemporary significance of FOCAC in Africa’s development.
Henry Short, director of the directorate: New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad), Partnerships and African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) of the Department International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco), who discussed the role of FOCAC in strengthening South-South co-operation.
Professor Arthur Mutambara, University of Johannesburg director of the Institute for the Future of Knowledge, who explored the future scenarios for African agency within FOCAC.
Bongani Mayimele, director of International Relations and Partnership at NSG, who elaborated on the impact of FOCAC on international relations and partnerships.
Kennedy Mudzuli, chairperson of the SA National Press Club, who shared insights on the media’s role in shaping China-Africa narratives.
Dr Jeffrey Mathethe Sehume, co-author and chief of staff at the office of the Department of Trade and Industry, who provided an overview of the book’s key themes and contributions to the discourse on China-Africa relations.
Dr Paul Tembe, the book’s author, who delivered an in-depth presentation on the symbolic and tangible successes of FOCAC, and the prospects for future cooperation
The event concluded with a book signing, allowing guests to engage with the authors and speakers in an informal setting. The launch of Xi Jinping and the Flourishing Forum on China-Africa Co-operation in the New Era comes at a pivotal moment as preparations are under way for the upcoming FOCAC Summit in Beijing, where leaders from China and Africa will once again converge to chart the future of their partnership.
About the Book:
Xi Jinping and the Flourishing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in the New Era is an essential read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in the dynamics of international relations and development. The book provides a nuanced understanding of FOCAC’s role in reshaping the global order through the lens of China-Africa relations. It is available now at major bookstores and through online platforms.
The Star