The joint pursuit of modernization by China and Africa will set off a modernization wave in the Global South, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
Xi made the remarks when he delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
“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,” said Xi.
“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,” said Xi.
Xi proposed that China and Africa work together to advance modernization that is just and equitable, open and win-win, people-centered, diverse and inclusive, eco-friendly, and underpinned by peace and security.
China and Africa should jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable. In promoting modernization, China and African countries 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, Xi said.
China and Africa 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, said Xi.
China and Africa 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, Xi noted.
China and Africa 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, said Xi.
China and Africa 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, said Xi.
China and Africa 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, Xi said.
The FOCAC summit, scheduled from Wednesday to Friday, is the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, with the highest attendance of foreign leaders.
Themed “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” the three-day event aims to strengthen friendship and outline future cooperation between the two sides.
African Times has published this article in partnership with Xinhua News Agency
