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China Continues Decades-Long Tradition of Starting the Year with a Trip to Africa

China's foreign minister has maintained a longstanding tradition of commencing each year with a visit to African nations, despite the passage of more than three decades. This tradition, initiated by Qian Qichen in 1991, has remained consistent in terms of timing, but its purpose has evolved over time.

Analysts assert that the decision to send the top diplomat to Africa first each year signifies Beijing's ambitions and Africa's growing importance on the global stage. The tradition has been upheld by every Chinese foreign minister, from Tang Jiaxuan to Li Zhaoxing, Yang Jiechi, Qin Gang, and most recently, Wang Yi.



While the timing of the visits has remained steadfast, China's engagement with Africa has undergone significant changes. Initially centered around trade, the relationship has now shifted to encompass Beijing's broader efforts to expand its influence worldwide. This evolution has established a narrative of stability and continuous prioritization of China-Africa relations.


Wang Yi's recent tour of Egypt, Tunisia, Togo, and Ivory Coast further demonstrates the success of China's consistent approach. During the tour, Chinese diplomats received warm receptions, with African officials emphasizing the deep friendship between their countries and China. These visits underscore China's commitment to Africa and its intention to continue prioritizing the region in its diplomatic agenda for years to come.


China's engagement with Africa extends beyond economic interests. The country has expanded its military presence, conducted peacekeeping missions, and provided security equipment and training to various African nations. China's involvement in Africa is part of its strategic positioning as a champion and leader of developing countries and the Global South.



China has been Africa's largest trading partner for over a decade, with significant investments in infrastructure projects through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. Additionally, China recognizes the strategic importance of Africa's natural resources and has actively pursued industrial cooperation with the continent.


The diplomatic tradition of starting the year with a visit to Africa serves multiple purposes for China. It not only solidifies political alliances but also showcases China's commitment to deepening diplomatic engagement and cooperation with Africa. Furthermore, it serves as an important diplomatic asset in China's foreign policy toolbox, particularly in the context of increasing geopolitical competition with Western powers.


China's continued prioritization of Africa reflects its recognition of Africa's growing influence in international institutions and the need for African support in key decision-making processes. As China faces competition from other powers seeking closer ties with Africa, maintaining and strengthening relations with the continent becomes paramount.



In conclusion, China's foreign minister's annual trips to Africa mark a longstanding tradition that highlights the importance of China-Africa relations. The visits symbolize Beijing's ambitions, Africa's significance on the global stage, and China's commitment to deepening ties with the continent across various domains, including politics, economics, and security.


中国延续数十年来以非洲之旅开启新年的传统


中國的外交部長在過去三十多年中,一直保持著開年訪問非洲國家的傳統,儘管時間已經過去了這麼長的時間。這項傳統始於1991年的錢其琛,其時間安排始終如一,但其目的隨著時間的推移而有所變化。


分析人士表示,每年首先派遣最高外交官訪問非洲國家,顯示了北京的野心和非洲在全球舞台上的重要性。這一傳統由唐家璇、李肇星、楊潔篪、秦剛等每任中國外交部長堅持實行。


儘管訪問的時間安排保持不變,中國與非洲的合作關係卻發生了重大變化。最初的關係主要集中在貿易上,現在則擴展到北京在全球範圍擴大影響力的努力。這一演變建立了一個關於中國-非洲關係的穩定性和持續重視的敘述。


王毅最近對埃及、突尼斯、多哥和科特迪瓦的訪問進一步證明了中國這種一貫作法的成功。在這次訪問中,中國外交官受到了熱烈的歡迎,非洲官員強調了他們國家與中國之間的深厚友誼。這些訪問凸顯了中國對非洲的承諾,並表明中國將在未來的外交議程中繼續優先考慮非洲地區。


中國對非洲的參與不僅僅涉及經濟利益。中國擴大了在非洲的軍事存在,進行了維和任務,並向各個非洲國家提供安全設備和培訓。中國將自己定位為發展中國家和全球南方的冠軍和領導者,這一點在中國對非洲的參與中得以體現。


中國已成為非洲最大的貿易伙伴超過十年,通過“一帶一路”等倡議在非洲進行了大規模的基礎設施項目投資。此外,中國認識到非洲的自然資源的戰略重要性,積極推動與非洲的產業合作。


每年首訪非洲的外交傳統對中國具有多重意義。它不僅鞏固了政治聯盟,還展示了中國深化與非洲的外交接觸和合作的承諾。此外,它也是中國外交政策工具箱中的重要外交資產,特別是在與西方大國在非洲影響力競爭日益激烈的背景下。


中國持續重視非洲,反映了中國認識到非洲在國際機構中的日益增長的影中國的外交部長每年都以訪問非洲國家為傳統,這個傳統已經持續了三十多年。儘管時間過去了這麼長,這個傳統的時間安排保持一致,但目的已經有所轉變。


分析師表示,每年首先派遣最高外交官前往非洲國家,代表著北京的野心以及非洲在全球舞台上的重要性。從唐家璇到李肇星、楊潔篪、秦剛,每一位中國外交部長都遵循這一傳統。


雖然訪問的時間安排保持不變,但中國對非洲的參與已經發生了重大變化。最初,關係主要集中在貿易上,現在則擴展到北京努力擴大在世界各地的影響力。這種演變建立了一個關於中國-非洲關係的穩定性和持續重視的敘述。


王毅最近對埃及、突尼斯、多哥和科特迪瓦的訪問進一步證明了中國這種一貫作法的成功。在這次訪問中,中國外交官受到熱烈歡迎,非洲官員強調了他們國家與中國之間的深厚友誼。這些訪問凸顯了中國對非洲的承諾,並表明中國將在未來的外交議程中繼續優先考慮非洲地區。


中國對非洲的參與不僅僅涉及經濟利益。中國擴大了在非洲的軍事存在,進行了維和任務,並向多個非洲國家提供安全設備和培訓。中國將自己定位為發展中國家和南方國家的領導者,這在中國對非洲的參與中得到體現。


中國已經連續十多年成為非洲最大的貿易夥伴,通過“一帶一路”等倡議在非洲進行了大量的基礎設施項目投資。此外,中國也認識到非洲的自然資源的戰略重要性,積極推動與非洲的產業合作。


每年首訪非洲的外交傳統對中國具有多重意義。它不僅鞏固了政治聯盟,還展示了中國深化與非洲的外交接觸和合作的承諾。此外,它也是中國外交政策工具箱中的重要外交資產,特別是在與西方大國在非洲影響力競爭日益激烈的背景下。


中國持續重視非洲,反映了中國認識到非洲在國際機構中日益增長的影響力,以及在重要決策過程中需要非洲的

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