African officials to attend follow-up FOCAC meeting in Beijing

African officials to attend follow-up FOCAC meeting in Beijing

China will host the next step in achieving the goals of last September’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, with a coordinators’ meeting planned for June 24 and 25 in Beijing. The meeting, announced Monday by spokesman Geng Shuang of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will see ministerial officials from…

The U.S. may wish otherwise, but what if Africa has chosen China?

The U.S. may wish otherwise, but what if Africa has chosen China?

China wasted no time in responding to accusations by top United States official John Bolton’s claim that its dealings with Africa are corrupt and predatory. It’s an oft-repeated charge, as the U.S. appears to realize too late that Beijing has spent decades courting the continent while Washington was, by and…

Laureen is the editor of Africa Times

Angola’s Lourenço announces $2 billion Chinese loan

Angolan President João Lourenço wrapped up a visit to Beijing Wednesday, where he met with President Xi Jinping and other government leaders as well as members of the business community. Their talks led to a new USD$2 billion credit agreement for infrastructure funded through China Development Bank, according to Angola’s official…

Cameroon’s Biya, Nigerian Buhari head to FOCAC

President Paul Biya of Cameroon met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday as African heads of state continue to arrive in Beijing ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit. Biya said he stressed Cameroon’s support for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a global economic strategy at the…

China-Africa security forum concludes in Beijing

Military leaders from nearly 50 African countries – The Gambia, Mali and South Sudan among them – completed on Tuesday a two-week conference in Beijing hosted by China’s Ministry of National Defense. The China-Africa Defense and Security Forum began June 26, with a focus on the security situation in Africa…

Taiwan’s leader arrives for controversial Swaziland visit

The leader of Taiwan arrived in Swaziland on Tuesday for a controversial four-day official visit that coincides with the 50th anniversary of independence celebrations in the southern African kingdom. Tsai Ing-wen and her delegation were greeted by King Mswati III, who then hosted a state dinner for his guests. Swaziland…

Ramaphosa talks trade as Chinese envoy visits

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday welcomed Yang Jiechi, Special Envoy of President Xi Jinping of China, as he opened a two-day official visit in Cape Town. Ramaphosa said the re-election of President Xi presented an opportunity for South Africa to deepen its strategic cooperation with China at a…

Kenyatta arrives in Beijing for Belt and Road Forum

President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in China to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing, which runs through May 15. The Government of Kenya announced in April that it was one of more than 100 participating nations, with the heads of state of at least…

Ethiopia, Kenya headed to Belt and Road Forum in Beijing

China says that 28 governments so far have confirmed they will attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) in Beijing in May, with the attendees including President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia. They will be joined by United Nations Secretary General…