Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi JinpingPresident of the People’s Republic of China At the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Summit of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation(Beijing September 5 2024)Your Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye FayeYour Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government and Heads of Delegation Your Excellency Mr. António Guterres Secretary General of the United Nations Your Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat Chairperson of the AU Commission Friends and Distinguished GuestsBlossoms in spring turn into fruits in autumn and a bumper harvest is the reward of hard work. In this season of harvest I am delighted to gather together with so many old and new friends in Beijing to discuss grand plans for China-Africa friendship and cooperation in the new era. On behalf of the Chinese government and people I extend a warm welcome to you all!The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space surmounts mountains and oceans and passes down through generations. The founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 was a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations. Over the past 24 years especially in the new era China has advanced forward hand in hand with our African brothers and sisters in the spirit of sincerity real results amity and good faith. We stand shoulder to shoulder with each other to firmly defend our legitimate rights and interests as once-in-a-century changes sweep across the world. We get stronger and more resilient together by riding the tide of economic globalization delivering tangible benefits to billions of ordinary Chinese and Africans. We share weal and woe in fighting natural disasters and epidemics together creating touching stories of China-Africa friendship. We always empathize with and support each other setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations.Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. With its future growth in mind I propose that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.Friends and Distinguished GuestsModernization is an inalienable right of all countries. But the Western approach to it has inflicted immense sufferings on developing countries. Since the end of World War II Third World nations represented by China and African countries have achieved independence and development one after another and have been endeavoring to redress the historical injustices of the modernization process. As we are about to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China we are going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization. Africa is also awakening again and the continent is marching in solid strides toward the modernization goals set forth in the AU’s Agenda 2063. China and Africa’s joint pursuit of modernization will set off a wave of modernization in the Global South and open a new chapter in our drive for a community with a shared future for mankind.—We should jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable. In promoting modernization we should not only follow the general rules but also act in light of our national realities. China is ready to increase exchanges of governance experience with Africa support all countries in exploring modernization paths befitting their national conditions and help ensure equal rights and equal opportunities for all countries.—We should jointly advance modernization that is open and win-win. Mutually beneficial cooperation is the sunny road to the betterment of long-term and fundamental interests of all countries. China is ready to deepen cooperation with Africa in industry agriculture infrastructure trade and investment promote exemplary high-quality Belt and Road cooperation projects and build together a model for the delivery of the Global Development Initiative.—We should jointly advance modernization that puts the people first.  The ultimate goal of modernization is the free and full development of human beings. China will work vigorously with Africa to promote personnel training poverty reduction and employment enhance the sense of gain happiness and security of the people in the course of modernization and ensure that all will benefit from the process.—We should jointly advance modernization featuring diversity and inclusiveness.  Well-balanced material and spiritual advancement is a lofty objective of modernization. China will enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Africa champion mutual respect inclusiveness and coexistence of different civilizations on our way to modernization and strive together for more fruitful outcomes under the Global Civilization Initiative.—We should jointly advance modernization that is eco-friendly.  Green development is a hallmark of modernization in the new era. China is ready to help Africa build “green growth engines” narrow the gap in energy accessibility adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and jointly push for the global transition to green and low-carbon development.—We should jointly advance modernization underpinned by peace and security.  Modernization would not be possible without a peaceful and stable environment for development. China is ready to help Africa improve its capacity in safeguarding peace and stability independently prioritize Africa in implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI) promote mutual reinforcement of high-quality development and greater security and work together with Africa to uphold world peace and stability.Friends and Distinguished GuestsChina and Africa account for one-third of the world population. Without our modernization there will be no global modernization. In the next three years China will work with Africa to take the following ten partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization.First the Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations. China is ready to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing a China-Africa knowledge network for development and 25 centers on China and Africa studies. We will make better use of Africa’s leadership academies to cultivate talents for governance and invite 1000 members of African political parties to China to deepen exchanges of experience in party and state governance.Second the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity. China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider. We have decided to give all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China including 33 countries in Africa zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step. It will help turn China’s big market into Africa’s big opportunity. China will expand market access for African agricultural products deepen cooperation with Africa in e-commerce and other areas and launch a “China-Africa quality enhancement program.” We are prepared to enter into framework agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries to provide long-term stable and predictable institutional guarantee for trade and investment between the two sides.Third the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation. China will foster industry cooperation growth clusters with Africa push forward the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation and launch an “African SMEs empowerment program.” We will build with Africa a digital technology cooperation center and initiate 20 digital demonstration projects so as to embrace together the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation.Fourth the Partnership Action for Connectivity.  China is prepared to carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa promote together high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development. We are ready to assist in the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area and deepen logistics and financial cooperation for the benefit of trans-regional development in Africa.Fifth the Partnership Action for Development Cooperation. China is ready to release the Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative with Africa and implement 1000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects. We will replenish the China-World Bank Group Partnership Facility to boost Africa’s development. We support Africa in hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. We will work together with Africa to deliver more fruits of development to the two peoples.Sixth the Partnership Action for Health. China is ready to establish with Africa a hospitals alliance and joint medical centers. We will send 2000 medical personnel to Africa and launch 20 programs of health facilities and malaria treatment. We will encourage Chinese companies to invest in Africa’s pharmaceutical production and continue to do what we can to help Africa with epidemic response. We support the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen public health capacity in all African countries.Seventh the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods. China will provide Africa with RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance build 100000 mu (about 6670 hectares) of standardized agriculture demonstration areas in Africa send 500 agricultural experts and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance. We will implement 500 programs in Africa to promote community welfare. We will also encourage two-way investment for new business operations by Chinese and African companies enable Africa to retain added value and create at least one million jobs for Africa.Eighth the Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges. China will implement with Africa more solidly the Future of Africa—Vocational Education Cooperation Plan establish together an engineering technology academy and build ten Luban Workshops. We will provide 60000 training opportunities to Africa mainly for women and youths. We will launch with Africa a Cultural Silk Road program as well as an initiative of cooperation on innovation in radio TV and audio and visual programs. The two sides have agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.Ninth the Partnership Action for Green Development. China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa put in place meteorological early warning systems and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention mitigation and relief as well as biodiversity conservation. We will create a China-Africa forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology establish together 30 joint laboratories and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and lunar and deep-space exploration. All this is designed to help with green development in Africa.Tenth the Partnership Action for Common Security.  China is ready to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the GSI and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation. We will give Africa RMB1 billion yuan of grants in military assistance provide training for 6000 military personnel and 1000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China. The two sides will conduct joint military exercises training and patrol carry out an “action for a mine-free Africa” and jointly ensure the safety of personnel and projects.To implement the ten partnership actions the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies. In addition China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.Friends and Distinguished GuestsThe Communist Party of China held in July the successful Third Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee laying out systematic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. This will profoundly further transform China. It will also provide new opportunities and new driving forces for African countries and for our joint pursuit of modernization.As an African proverb goes a friend is someone you share the path with. On the path to modernization no one and no country should be left behind. Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization promote modernization of the Global South with China-Africa modernization and write a new magnificent chapter of development in human history. Let us join hands to bring about a bright future of peace security prosperity and progress for our world.Thank you.

Beijing September 4 2024Your Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye FayeDistinguished Colleagues and Your SpousesFriends and Distinguished GuestsGood evening!It is my great pleasure to meet you here on the eve of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). On behalf of the Chinese government and people and in the name of my wife and myself I extend a warm welcome to you all.To quote a Chinese poem “True friends always feel close to each other no matter the distance between them.” I have been to Africa 10 times and hosted many African leaders in China. All our meetings have been cordial and heartwarming. They have reinforced my belief that the China-Africa community with a shared future is built on a strong foundation has been blessed with a good start and enjoys broad prospects. It sets a stellar example for building a community with a shared future for mankind.The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in our traditional friendship. Since the mid-20th century we have been fighting shoulder to shoulder imperialism colonialism and hegemonism and advancing hand in hand along the path of development revitalization and modernization. China-Africa friendship remains robust and is growing stronger through generations no matter how the world changes.The China-Africa community with a shared future thrives on the strength of win-win cooperation. Twenty-four years ago FOCAC was born at the dawn of a new century. Through this key cooperation platform we have together built roads railways schools hospitals industrial parks and special economic zones. These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people.The China-Africa community with a shared future grows in step with the times. Following the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in Dakar in 2021 we have worked together to fully implement the nine programs and deliver on other outcomes of the meeting. We pulled together in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We maintained close cooperation and coordination on major international and regional issues. Together we have made the voice of the Global South stronger.Friends and Distinguished GuestsWe human beings have been dreaming of a community with a shared future and modernization is what it takes to turn our dream into reality. China and Africa have been and remain pioneers in building this community and we will stay at the forefront in pursuing modernization. I am confident that as long as the 2.8 billion-strong Chinese and African people are united for this common goal we will accomplish new and even greater feats together on the way toward modernization spearhead the modernization drive of the Global South and make greater contributions to a community with a shared future for mankind.Now I would like to propose a toast;To the prosperity of China and African countries and the well-being of our people;To the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and African people;To the success of the Summit; andTo the health of all distinguished guests and your families.Cheers!

On the evening of September 4 2024 President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan held a welcoming banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to welcome the African and international guests attending the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).Li Qiang Zhao Leji Wang Huning Cai Qi Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee attended the event.In September Beijing enjoys clear skies and crisp air. Inside the majestic Great Hall of the People the Chinese national flag the national flags of the FOCAC member states and the flag of the African Union are displayed together in brilliant array.Fifty-one African heads of state and government and their spouses two presidential representatives the Chairperson of the African Union Commission the Secretary-General of the United Nations and other distinguished guests arrived at the Great Hall of the People successively. Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan warmly greeted them shook hands and exchanged greetings with them respectively and took a group photo.Lively and cheerful children sang beautiful songs played joyful African drums and danced with enthusiasm to warmly welcome the international guests from afar.Accompanied by the melodious Tune of Welcome Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan walked into the banquet hall with distinguished guests.Xi Jinping made a toast and on behalf of the Chinese government and people extended a warm welcome to the guests.Xi Jinping pointed out that all his meetings with African friends have been cordial and heartwarming. They have reinforced his belief that the China-Africa community with a shared future is built on a strong foundation has been blessed with a good start and enjoys broad prospects. It sets a stellar example for building a community with a shared future for mankind. The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in their traditional friendship thrives on the strength of win-win cooperation and grows in step with the times. China and African countries have been fighting shoulder to shoulder imperialism colonialism and hegemonism and advancing hand in hand along the path of development revitalization and modernization. They pulled together in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and maintained close cooperation and coordination on major international and regional issues. China-Africa friendship remains robust and is growing stronger through generations no matter how the world changes.Xi Jinping stressed that "We human beings have been dreaming of a community with a shared future and modernization is what it takes to turn our dream into reality. China and Africa have been and remain pioneers in building this community and we will stay at the forefront in pursuing modernization. I am confident that as long as the 2.8 billion-strong Chinese and African people are united for this common goal we will accomplish new and even greater feats together on the way toward modernization spearhead the modernization drive of the Global South and make greater contributions to a community with a shared future for mankind."President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal the co-chair of the FOCAC on behalf of African leaders thanked the friendly Chinese people for their warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements saying that the friendship between Africa and China has a deep foundation and a time-honored history. Both sides share similar ideals treat each other as equals show mutual respect seek mutual benefit and pursue solidarity and cooperation. Both Africa and China stand for a more equal orderly mutually beneficial and inclusive world. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping China has not only achieved its own rapid development but also made important contributions to promoting world peace and growth. The African side highly appreciates the important initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping and China's important contributions to promoting China-Africa cooperation including the FOCAC's institutional development. The African side is ready to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China deepen the Africa-China comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and better safeguard common interests.After the banquet Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan as well as the distinguished guests watched an artistic performance titled "Joining Hands for a Brighter Future". The performance showcased the diversity of vibrant civilizations of China and Africa and the mutual understanding between their peoples earning rounds of enthusiastic applause.Wang Yi Yin Li Li Shulei He Lifeng Wang Xiaohong and other officials attended the above activities.

On the morning of September 2 2024 President Xi Jinping met with President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Xi Jinping welcomed Felix Tshisekedi to attend the FOCAC Beijing Summit. Xi Jinping noted that he and Tshisekedi jointly elevated the China-DRC relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in May last year. Many common understandings reached between the two heads of state then have been implemented. Bilateral practical cooperation in various fields has advanced by leaps and bounds benefiting both sides. It is of strategic significance and serves as a model for developing countries to jointly advance modernization. China is comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization with high-quality development while the DRC is entering a new stage of national development and revitalization. The two countries are partners on the path to modernization and should be sincere friends with common ideals and beliefs mutually beneficial partners and good friends working together for peace. China supports the DRC in safeguarding national sovereignty and realizing independent development and is ready to consolidate political mutual trust with the DRC firmly support each other seek common development deepen cooperation in agriculture mineral products processing vocational training and other fields and continue to help the DRC turn its resource advantage into momentum for development.Xi Jinping stressed that at the summit China and Africa will define the new positioning of China-Africa relations announce a series of major measures to jointly advance modernization and draw a new blueprint together for the growth of China-Africa relations. China is ready to work with the DRC to seize historic opportunities strengthen strategic mutual trust deepen mutually beneficial cooperation join hands to promote China-Africa cooperation jointly safeguard the common interests of developing countries and encourage countries in the "Global South" to pursue peace and development in a changing world.Felix Tshisekedi said the DRC and China are brothers with solid and sincere friendship. Based on equality respect and a high degree of mutual trust bilateral cooperation has achieved mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The DRC side admires President Xi Jinping's outstanding leadership and hopes to learn from China's successful experience take China as a top priority partner for cooperation and continuously deepen friendship and practical cooperation in various fields. He thanked China for supporting the DRC in safeguarding its national sovereignty and independence. The DRC firmly pursues the one-China policy and recognizes Taiwan as an inalienable part of China's territory. The FOCAC has provided an important opportunity for African countries to realize their development dreams. He expressed the belief that the summit will be a complete success and deliver more tangible results to the people of African countries.During the summit China and the DRC will sign a number of bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as economic partnership for common development human resources development customs capacity building and press.Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

On the morning of September 2 2024 President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Malian President Colonel Assimi Goïta who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Mali relationship to a strategic partnership.Xi Jinping pointed out that the China-Mali friendship was personally forged by the elder generation of leaders of the two countries. Sixty years ago the two sides issued a joint communique which for the first time included China's eight principles in foreign aid advocating respect for national sovereignty development of an independent economy and non-interference in internal affairs. These principles not only serve as a guide for the long-term friendly cooperation between China and Mali but also set the tone for China-Africa cooperation in promoting the establishment of a new international order. Under the current circumstances China is ready to carry forward traditional friendship with Mali continue to firmly support each other and provide support within its capacity for Mali's economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. China will continue to encourage Chinese companies to invest in Mali and deepen cooperation in agriculture energy mineral development infrastructure construction and other fields. China hopes that Mali will provide security guarantees and policy facilitation for Chinese companies.Xi Jinping stressed that China has always supported the African people in independently deciding their future and destiny and is ready to work with Mali and other African countries to support each other and jointly pursue modernization paths suited to their respective national conditions. This FOCAC summit is dedicated to drawing a new blueprint for China-Africa cooperation in the new era advancing modernization together and building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. China is ready to work with Mali and other parties to make the summit a complete success.Colonel Assimi Goïta thanked China for hosting this FOCAC summit and for the warm and friendly reception. The people of Mali and China enjoy a brotherly friendship and bilateral cooperation is sincere and pragmatic. He thanked China for providing various and valuable assistance to Mali's economic and social development. Mali hopes to further consolidate the friendship with China elevate the strategic partnership and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture energy mining security and other areas. There is but one China in the world and Mali firmly pursues the one-China principle. Both Mali and China respect national sovereignty and independence and oppose interference in other countries' internal affairs. Mali appreciates China's efforts and contributions to promoting regional and world peace and development and looks forward to closer multilateral cooperation with China.Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

On the morning of September 2 2024 President Xi Jinping met with Comorian President Azali Assoumani who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Comoros relationship to a strategic partnership.Xi Jinping pointed out that China was the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Comoros and next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The two countries have firmly supported each other politically and achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields setting a fine example of equality solidarity and cooperation between countries of different sizes. Although China and the Comoros are far apart the people of the two countries share the same aspiration for a better life. Xi Jinping said that he heard that the Chinese TV series "Minning Town" was recently aired in the Comoros. China is ready to carry out cooperation with the Comoros in poverty reduction support the Comorian people in turning their geographical advantages and marine resources into momentum for development and continue the cooperative partnership as the "Minning Town" has shown to build a China-Comoros community with a shared future. China is ready to continue to cooperate with the Comoros to implement the rapid malaria eradication program and help the Comoros achieve the goal of "eradicating malaria by 2025" at an early date. The two sides should take this summit as an opportunity to expand practical cooperation in such areas as economy trade investment infrastructure marine fisheries and climate change and inject new momentum into the development of bilateral relations.Xi Jinping appreciated the positive role the Comoros played during its rotating chairmanship of the African Union. He pointed out that China is ready to work with the Comoros to uphold the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence enhance communication and coordination within the frameworks of the African Union the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation strengthen the emerging forces of the "Global South" and promote the reform of the global governance system.Azali Assoumani thanked the Chinese side for the fraternal friendly reception and congratulated China on the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. He expressed the belief that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping China will surely make greater achievements in development. The vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind the Belt and Road Initiative and the three global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping are crucial to promoting the world in realizing peace development and common prosperity and the Comoros fully supports them. The Comoros is ready to consolidate and enhance friendly relations with China and make bilateral relations a model for Africa-China cooperation. He expressed the belief that this FOCAC summit will further boost the development of African countries. The Comoros supports China in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity and supports China in achieving national reunification. The Comoros believes that Taiwan is bound to return to China. He thanked China for supporting the Comoros in performing its rotating chairmanship of the African Union and expressed willingness to work with the Chinese side for closer communication and coordination within multilateral frameworks promote developing countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation and resolve regional conflicts through dialogue.During the summit China and the Comoros will sign bilateral cooperation documents covering such areas as economy trade and development.Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

On the morning of September 2 2024 President Xi Jinping met with Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh who is in China for the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Djibouti relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.Xi Jinping pointed out that President Ismail Omar Guelleh has attended all the summits held by the FOCAC since its inception and is a witness and facilitator of the forum's growth. Xi Jinping said he highly appreciated this and is ready to work closely with Ismail Omar Guelleh to make this summit a complete success.Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Djibouti Xi Jinping stressed that over the past 45 years China and Djibouti have stood side by side in weal and woe enjoyed mutually beneficial economic cooperation and mutual understanding between the two peoples setting a good example of South-South cooperation. China is ready to work with Djibouti to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual support leverage the valuable experience of mutual learning tighten the bond of interests for win-win cooperation build important consensus on peaceful coexistence and push for more new achievements in bilateral relations. China is ready to support Djibouti in operating the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway international free trade area and other projects to establish a commercial trade and logistics hub in the region. China is also ready to work with Djibouti to operate Africa's first Luban Workshop so as to help Djibouti cultivate more high-quality personnel needed for economic development. China supports Djibouti in fulfilling its responsibilities as the rotating presidency of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to make new contributions to peace and development in the Horn of Africa and the African region at large.Ismail Omar Guelleh said that every time he visits China he feels at home and he thanks the Chinese side for its thoughtful and warm arrangements. The Djibouti-China relationship has gone through 45 years which has been accompanied by the rapid development of China and Djibouti-China relations. He thanked China for providing valuable assistance to Djibouti's economic development and improvement of people's livelihood. The Djiboutian side is satisfied with the vitality of bilateral relations and is ready to continue to push forward important projects like the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway with China and further deepen practical cooperation in various fields. Under the current international and regional situations Djibouti looks forward to strengthening communication and coordination with China and making joint efforts to promote regional security and development. Ismail Omar Guelleh expressed the belief that the FOCAC Beijing Summit will be a complete success and further boost the development of African countries.During the summit China and Djibouti will sign cooperation documents covering such areas as economy trade development aviation and aerospace.Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

On the afternoon of August 29 President Xi Jinping met with Assistant to the U.S. President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.President Xi pointed out that in this changing and turbulent world countries need solidarity and coordination not division or confrontation. People want openness and progress not exclusion or regress. As two major countries China and the United States should be responsible for history for the people and for the world and should be a source of stability for world peace and a propeller for common development.President Xi stressed that when China and the United States two major countries engage with each other the No.1 issue is to develop a right strategic perception and they need to first and foremost find a good answer to the overarching question: Are China and the United States rivals or partners? China’s foreign policy is open and transparent and its strategic intentions are aboveboard both of which have been highly consistent and stable. China is focused on managing its own affairs well and will continue deepening reform comprehensively to further improve and develop the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics that suits China’s national conditions. China follows a path of peaceful development. While realizing its own development China is also ready to work with other countries for common development and to jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.President Xi pointed out that China’s U.S. policy is highly consistent. While great changes have taken place in the two countries and in China-U.S. relations China’s commitment to the goal of a stable healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship remains unchanged its principle in handling the relationship d on mutual respect peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation remains unchanged its position of firmly safeguarding the country’s sovereignty security and development interests remains unchanged and its efforts to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American people remain unchanged. President Xi expressed the hope that the United States will work in the same direction with China view China and its development in a positive and rational light see each other’s development as an opportunity rather than a challenge work with China to find a right way for China and the United States two countries with different civilizations systems and paths to coexist in peace and achieve common development on this planet and work to maintain the stability of China-U.S. relations and on that basis improve and take forward the relationship.National Security Advisor Sullivan conveyed the regards of President Biden to President Xi and thanked President Xi for meeting him. He said that since the San Francisco summit meeting between the two presidents the two sides have earnestly implemented their common understandings and achieved positive progress. This round of strategic communication with Director Wang Yi in China was in-depth candid substantive and constructive. He reiterated that the United States does not seek a new Cold War it does not seek to change China’s system the revitalization of U.S. alliances is not against China the United States does not support “Taiwan independence” and it does not seek conflict with China. The one-China policy of the United States has not changed and it has no intention to use Taiwan as a tool to contain China. The United States hopes to maintain strategic communication with China and find a way for the United States and China to coexist in peace and for U.S.-China relations to develop in a sustainable way. President Biden looks forward to having communication again with President Xi soon.President Xi asked National Security Advisor Sullivan to pass on his regards to President Biden. President Xi expressed readiness to stay in touch with President Biden to guide and steer the development of China-U.S. relations.Wang Yi attended the meeting.

On August 27 2024 President Xi Jinping replied to a letter written by scholars from 50 African countries encouraging them to continue to provide intellectual support for building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and safeguarding the common interests of the Global South.Xi Jinping pointed out that not long ago the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) sounded the clarion call of the times to open up broad prospects for Chinese modernization through further deepening reform. The continuous development and growth of China that pursues peaceful development and is committed to reform and opening up will surely further strengthen the forces for world peace and international justice and inject inexhaustible impetus into the global modernization process especially the development and revitalization of the Global South.Xi Jinping stressed that China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future. In the face of an evolving and turbulent world situation China and Africa need to strengthen solidarity and cooperation more than ever before. The upcoming Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will bring together Chinese and African leaders once again to discuss China-Africa cooperation which will open up even more magnificent prospects for China-Africa relations. Xi Jinping expressed the hope that d on the China-Africa Dar es Salaam Consensus the African scholars will step up research and exploration on the development path of Global South countries China-Africa and South-South cooperation and continue to provide important intellectual support for building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future and safeguarding the common interests of the Global South.A few days ago former veteran diplomat of South Africa and honorary professor of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University Gert Grobler and 63 scholars from 50 African countries sent a joint letter to President Xi Jinping warmly congratulating on the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee highly commending the historic achievements of the FOCAC and expecting that the upcoming Summit of the FOCAC would write a new chapter in building a China-Africa community with a shared future and the joint modernization of the Global South.

On the afternoon of August 20 2024 President Xi Jinping met with Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka who is on an official visit to China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.Xi Jinping congratulated Fiji's Men's Rugby Sevens team on winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Noting that Fiji was the first Pacific island country to establish diplomatic relations with China and that next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Fiji Xi Jinping pointed out that for nearly half a century the two countries have always supported and helped each other setting a good example of equal treatment and friendly cooperation between countries large and small. China attaches great importance to China-Fiji relations and is ready to continue to provide assistance to the best of its ability for Fiji's economic and social development and work with Fiji to keep to the direction of bilateral relations and promote the building of a China-Fiji community with a shared future to better benefit the two peoples.Drawing on Rabuka's visits to Yunnan Fujian and Zhejiang provinces and his impressions from these visits Xi Jinping introduced China's practices and experience in poverty alleviation. Xi Jinping stressed that the completion of the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects for more than 1.4 billion people is a historic achievement the Chinese people have made under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a historic contribution China has made to the cause of poverty reduction and the development of humanity. Xi Jinping said "In this process we have left no ethnic group region or individual behind fully demonstrating the socialist system's political advantage in concentrating resources on major undertakings. We have won the heartfelt support of the people of all 56 ethnic groups in China." At present China is endeavoring to build itself into a stronger country and rejuvenate the Chinese nation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made strategic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. It is the modernization of peaceful development. Noting that China and Fiji both belong to the Global South Xi Jinping said China is ready to help Fiji and other Pacific island countries cope with climate change and strengthen development cooperation with them to make the Pacific Ocean an ocean of peace friendship and cooperation.Rabuka congratulated the Chinese Olympic Delegation on its excellent performance at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. He said he visited China 30 years ago as prime minister and through his Yunnan Fujian and Zhejiang tours this time he witnessed the great miracles and tremendous achievements China has made in poverty eradication and development under the leadership of President Xi Jinping which he deeply admired. He expressed the hope to learn from China's advanced ideas and successful experience particularly by engaging with grassroots communities and listening to the voices of the people and strengthen cooperation with China in poverty reduction infrastructure and connectivity. Fiji appreciates China's adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence supports the global initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping and is ready to continue the Belt and Road cooperation with China promote the development of relations between Pacific island countries and China and make the Pacific Ocean an ocean of peace. Fiji fully understands China's position on the Taiwan question and will continue to firmly pursue the one-China policy.A joint statement between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Fiji was issued.Wang Yi was present at the meeting.