China, African Union hold strategic dialogue at AU headquarters

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African Union Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf jointly held the ninth China-AU Strategic Dialogue at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, coinciding with the launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. They discussed cooperation on modernization, global governance, zero-tariff treatment, the International Organization for Mediation, and peace and development in the Horn of Africa, emphasizing the shared priorities of China and the AU as members of the Global South. Both sides stressed safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries, upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supporting each other on major concerns, reaffirming AU’s commitment to the one-China principle. They also highlighted the alignment of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Africa’s Agenda 2063, agreeing to strengthen coordination on initiatives such as China’s Global Security and Governance Initiatives, Africa’s “Silencing the Guns by 2030” plan, and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Wang and Youssouf reaffirmed their commitment to implementing cooperation agreements and exploring practical initiatives to bring tangible benefits to both China and Africa.

Credit : CGTN