Changsha: China, 53 African countries, and the African Union Commission have jointly reaffirmed their dedication to multilateralism, inclusive growth, and deeper economic collaboration. This commitment was solidified through the signing of the Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South, which took place at a high-level meeting in Changsha, China.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Declaration aims to advance the full implementation of outcomes from the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Ghana was represented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Representatives acknowledged the significance of the rise and growth of the Global South in shaping future development trends.
The Declaration emphasized strengthening cooperation under initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Leaders condemned unilateralism, protectionism, and 'economic bullying,' highlighting the challenges these pose to economic and social development in African and other developing countries.
They criticized the use of tariffs to disrupt international trade and called on countries, particularly the United States, to resolve trade disputes through consultation based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit. The Declaration urged the international community to prioritize the economic challenges faced by African nations and stressed the importance of increasing development assistance to support poverty reduction and accelerate development.
The African side praised China's commitment to defending international equity and justice, while China commended African countries for upholding sovereignty, equality, and justice. Both parties emphasized the importance of true multilateralism and opposed unilateralism and protectionism, advocating for an international system centered around the UN and WTO.
The Declaration underlined the need to promote the African Union's Agenda 2063 and implement 'ten partnership actions for modernization' launched during the Beijing FOCAC Summit. These efforts aim to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future, setting an example of solidarity and cooperation within the Global South.
China announced plans to expand its zero-tariff policy to cover all 53 African nations with diplomatic relations, excluding Eswatini. New measures for Africa's least developed countries include improved market access, skills training, and expanded promotion of African products. Future cooperation will focus on green industry, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and enhanced collaboration in various sectors.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was hailed as a model of Global South solidarity and cooperation.
