Beirut: China on Monday announced that its trade with Africa reached a record high in the first half of 2026, attributing this growth to its zero-tariff policy for all African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing.

According to Anadolu Agency, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a regular news conference that two-way trade totaled 1.41 trillion yuan ($196.6 billion) in the first six months of the year, marking an unprecedented level for this period.

"The total trade volume achieved faster growth and is expected to reach an even higher level by the end of this year," Lin responded when questioned about the impact of China's zero-tariff policy.

Lin explained that capital goods and intermediate goods made up approximately 75% of China's exports to Africa, asserting that these shipments support the continent's industrialization and agricultural modernization rather than merely fulfilling consumer demand.

Addressing criticism over trade imbalances, Lin dismissed such narratives as "merely traps designed by those with ulterior motives aimed at disrupting friendly cooperation between China and Africa."

He emphasized that China is committed to expanding high-level opening-up despite global challenges, including regional conflicts and rising unilateralism and protectionism.

Looking forward, Lin mentioned that China plans to further facilitate bilateral trade, expand market access for more high-quality African products, and inject fresh momentum into building an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era."