By John Kusolo
Earlier today, key African leaders converged in Beijing for the much-anticipated Heads of State Summit on the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), an event that has become a cornerstone in strengthening ties between China and the African continent. The summit, scheduled from September 4-6, 2024, comes at a critical juncture, as China seeks to bolster its influence in Africa through trade, investment, and cooperation in various sectors.
Uganda's Vice President, Jessica Alupo, in Bilateral Talks with China's Vice President
Uganda's Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, was among the prominent figures attending the summit. Earlier this morning, Vice President Alupo held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Han Zheng, the Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, at the Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing. Their discussions centered on key issues such as industrialization, infrastructure, and digitization, areas where China has demonstrated significant expertise and investment.
Upon her arrival in Beijing, Vice President Alupo was warmly received at the Beijing Capital Airport by the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda and Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Jeje Odongo. This reception underscored the importance of Uganda-China relations, particularly as both nations explore new avenues for economic and technological collaboration.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Leads a Delegation to China
South Sudan’s President, H.E. Salva Kiir, also arrived in Beijing for the summit, marking a significant step in South Sudan’s diplomatic engagements with China. President Kiir was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the First Vice President, Riek Machar, who saw him off at Juba International Airport. While the specifics of the mission were not fully disclosed by official sources, it was confirmed that President Kiir's visit would include bilateral talks focused on trade, economic cooperation, and participation in the broader China-Africa dialogue.
The participation of South Sudan’s leadership in the FOCAC summit highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to solidify its relationship with China, particularly as it seeks support for infrastructure projects and other development initiatives crucial to its post-conflict recovery.
The Broader Context of the FOCAC Summit
The ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit is expected to draw delegates from every African state except Eswatini, with which Beijing has no diplomatic ties. As China faces looming Western curbs on its exports, particularly in advanced technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels, the summit provides a platform for Beijing to secure new markets in Africa. President Xi Jinping is anticipated to pitch Africa as a key player in China's burgeoning green energy industry, urging African nations to integrate with China’s advanced technological sectors.
However, African leaders attending the summit are likely to approach China’s proposals with caution. They will seek assurances on the progress of previously promised projects, such as the unfulfilled pledge from the 2021 summit to purchase $300 billion worth of African goods. Additionally, there will be a strong focus on the completion of Chinese-funded infrastructure projects across the continent, including the critical railway project aimed at linking the greater East African region.
As Africa’s largest lender, investor, and trade partner, China is shifting its focus from big-ticket infrastructure projects to more sustainable and advanced technologies, such as solar energy and electric vehicles. This realignment in priorities means African leaders will need to carefully align their proposals with China’s evolving strategic interests to secure favorable deals.
The participation of key African leaders like Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo and South Sudan's President Salva Kiir in the FOCAC summit underscores the importance of China-Africa relations in the current global economic landscape. As these leaders engage in high-level discussions with Chinese officials, the outcomes of this summit could significantly shape the future of trade, investment, and development across the African continent.
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