China’s FM visit to Africa enhances diplomatic consistency as it has marked the consecutive 35th year for China to start the new year with Africa’s visit.
If it’s early January, one thing is certain in diplomacy: China will dispatch a delegation to Africa. This year, when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Namibia on January 6 for the first stop of a four-nation tour, it marked the 35th consecutive year that China’s foreign minister has chosen Africa for their first overseas visit of the year.
In addition to Namibia, Wang will visit the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria before returning to China on January 11. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning highlighted the significance of the 2025 trip, noting that President Xi Jinping recently elevated China’s diplomatic ties with African nations to the level of strategic relations, emphasizing an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”
The consistency of China’s annual diplomatic engagement with Africa contrasts sharply with the uncertainty unfolding in other parts of the world. In 2025, this contrast is even more pronounced.
The United States, for instance, is on the cusp of significant political change as Donald Trump begins his second term in office. His administration’s potential impact on domestic and international affairs is yet to be seen, but campaign promises suggest strained relations with China, Europe, and other regions, as well as challenges to global agreements on climate change and public health.
Elsewhere, leadership transitions in various nations raise questions about future global policies and trade. South Korea, for instance, faces ongoing domestic unrest following a failed attempt by a former president to impose martial law. Meanwhile, dissatisfaction with leadership continues to ripple through multiple countries worldwide.
Amid this global unpredictability, China’s steadfast engagement with Africa stands as a stark contrast. Every January, meaningful discussions between Chinese officials and African leaders reinforce their cooperative relationship.
This year’s visit is particularly significant following the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). During the summit, President Xi emphasized the enduring strength of China-Africa friendship, which continues to grow stronger regardless of global changes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the partnership as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation.
On this trip, Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to advance key aspects of China-Africa collaboration, including shared governance, knowledge exchange, and people-to-people connections.
Last year, Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center identified critical areas in China-Africa relations, emphasizing China’s potential to guide Africa in transitioning to cleaner energy. Currently, 90% of Africa’s energy consumption relies on fossil fuels, making China’s expertise in renewable energy a valuable asset.
Economically, China-Africa trade continues to thrive. In 2023, trade between the two regions surpassed $280 billion, with China receiving 20% of African exports and Africa importing 16% of Chinese goods. China’s role in construction and manufacturing projects has been pivotal in its deepening ties with Africa. Furthermore, China’s decision to lift tariffs on trade with 33 African nations will likely boost bilateral trade significantly in the years ahead.
As Wang Yi visits Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria, the trip is expected to yield promising developments. These are likely to include strengthened partnerships and an increase in diverse trade between China and Africa in the near future.
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