A Big Year for Sino-african Relations

last year was an important moment in the history of Africa and China relations, with several major events taking place which affirmed the commitment of leadership to growing Sino-african ties. But do the milestones achieved in 2018 provide a sufficiently sound foundation for relations to continue to grow amidst trade disputes and a slowing Chinese economy? With many African countries benefiting from increases in investment and trade with China, will 2019 continue on this success?

South Africa and China celebrated 20 years of diplomatic relations in 2018. During the course of this relationship, China became South Africa’s largest trading partner in 2009 and investment between the two has grown significantly. During state visits by Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa to China in 2018, both nations committed themselves to continuing building the relationship into 2019 and the next 20 years. This, in addition to China’s aim to expand imports, will be important enablers for deepened relations amid uncertainties in the global economy.

South Africa hosted the 10th BRICS Summit on July 25-27, 2018, in Johannesburg. Prior to the summit, Xi conducted his first state visit to the West African country of Senegal, followed by his first state visit to Rwanda. On his way back to China, Xi visited Mauritius and met Prime Minister Pravind Jumar Jugnauth. The biggest event for the year, however, in terms of showcasing the fortitude of Sino-africa relations was the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in China’s capital from September 3-4, 2018. Heads of state and prime ministers from African governments were represented at the summit, with multiple high-level engagements and agreements occurring between African and Chinese delegations. Xi also announced a further $60 billion of financing from China into Africa.

China continues to view its relationship with Africa as winwin growth and cooperation, with the forum’s various engagements serving to further China’s role as Africa’s biggest trade and investment partner. China and Africa are expected to carry the success of 2018 into 2019 with many engagements that shall occur as a result of the pledges made during the FOCAC Beijing Summit. In 2019, China will have many pressing issues such as a slowing Chinese economy; however, the opportunities that a strengthened China-africa partnership could create may be critical in revitalizing these developing economies which are China’s partners under the South-south cooperation framework.