Africa has always been a top destination for Chinese government envoys, a testament of China’s high regard of the continent, according to a report by the Global Times.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi just concluded his week-long visit to four African countries on Saturday, Feb. 6. He has chosen Africa for his trips for three consecutive years.
Included in his itinerary were the African nations of Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique and Mauritius.
"Choosing Africa as the destination for the foreign minister's first trip each year is a fine tradition of China's diplomacy," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying before the visit. "It shows the importance attached to China-Africa ties."
Wang's visit to the continent is also timely, as several African countries are experiencing an economic slowdown brought about by a slow global economic recovery. Africa has also taken a hit from issues such as the international financial crisis.
With this in mind, China and Africa have always been committed to achieving their goals of successful development. Their shared historical experiences and struggles are two other factors that have strengthened Chinese-African ties.
Aside from meeting his Malawian counterpart, Wang also met with other leaders and foreign ministers to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which took place in Dec. 2015.
Among the outcomes include a pledge of $60 billion in financial assistance and the establishment of 10 plans designed to accelerate agricultural modernization and industrialization in Africa.
As a means to help Africa get back on its feet, China has already invested in the region's infrastructure, agricultural technology and equipment, and industrial development.
China has also given loans of over $20 billion to several African countries since 2012 to encourage investment, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and manufacturing, among others.
Aside from financial assistance, China has also organized approximately 900 assistance programs that target health, education and agriculture.
"As a faithful friend of Africa, we insist that Africa must get out of its difficult situation through its own development," said Wang during his meeting with George T. Chaponda, Foreign Minister of Malawi.