China and 53 African nations have jointly issued the Changsha Declaration, pledging a renewed commitment to Global South solidarity, multilateralism, and a bold, cooperative development agenda during the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The declaration, rooted in the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit, outlines a shared vision for an “All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era,” presenting it as a global model for partnership grounded in equality, mutual respect, and inclusive prosperity.
Highlighting the rise of the Global South as “irreversible,” the declaration calls for the defense of multilateralism and an end to protectionist and unilateral economic practices. It specifically criticizes “economic bullying” and unilateral sanctions, urging powerful nations, implicitly the United States, to resolve disputes through dialogue and international rules.
“We call on all countries to uphold multilateralism, resist protectionism, and work together toward a just, multipolar global order,” the document stated.
A major pillar of the Changsha Declaration is China’s commitment to provide 100% zero-tariff access to goods from all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties, with added support in customs, inspections, and trade facilitation for least developed countries.
Beyond trade, the declaration outlines plans to deepen cooperation under the Ten Partnership Actions for Modernization, focusing on green industry, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, science and technology, and financial services. These efforts are designed to complement both Africa’s Agenda 2063 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
China also reaffirmed its support for Africa through development assistance, investment, and technical training. The declaration urged the international community to increase, rather than cut, aid to Africa, emphasizing the need to address economic hardships, poverty, and limited infrastructure.
“We will build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, set an example of solidarity, cooperation, and self-reliance of the Global South, and call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization,” the declaration concluded.
With its ambitious scope, the Changsha Declaration positions China-Africa cooperation as a central force in shaping a more equitable global economic order.
Written By Rodney Mbua
