Changsha: China and 53 African nations, along with the African Union Commission, have collectively urged the United States to re-engage in trade discussions grounded in principles of equality, respect, and mutual benefit. This call to action was highlighted during a ministerial meeting on China-Africa Cooperation held in Changsha, the capital of central China's Hunan province.
According to Anadolu Agency, the appeal was formalized in the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South. The declaration criticized certain countries for disrupting the international economic and trade order through tariffs, which it claims undermines the global common good. It specifically called upon the US to resolve trade disputes through consultations based on equality and mutual benefit.
The event was attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and numerous African foreign ministers and senior officials. The 10-article declaration emphasized the need for the international community to address Africa's economic challenges, urging that development aid be increased rather than reduced. It also advocated for "true multilateralism" and warned against unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying, which pose significant challenges to African countries and the broader Global South.
China also announced its readiness to expand its zero-tariff policy to cover 100% of tariff lines for all African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, excluding Eswatini, to bolster African exports. The bilateral trade volume between China and Africa increased to 2.1 trillion yuan ($292 billion) in 2024, a significant rise from less than 100 billion yuan ($13.9 billion) in 2000, as reported by China's General Administration of Customs through the state-run Global Times.
The push for equal dialogue emerges amidst escalating tensions over US trade measures. In April, the US imposed steep tariffs on multiple African countries, including 50% on goods from Lesotho, 47% on Madagascar, 40% on Mauritius, 38% on Botswana, and 31% on South Africa. On the sidelines of the meeting, Wang Yi held bilateral talks with foreign ministers from Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana, and Angola to discuss trade, investment, and development partnerships.