By Sadik Kedir
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - China and the African Union committed on Thursday to jointly “safeguard” the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South, as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf held talks in Addis Ababa.
The discussions at AU headquarters focused on aligning diplomatic positions and strengthening cooperation on shared international priorities, according to a joint statement.
The two leaders reaffirmed the need to protect their respective core interests and to “inject positive momentum” into global stability through coordination on major international issues.
Both sides voiced concern about developments in Venezuela and reaffirmed the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, stressing adherence to the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
The visit by the Chinese diplomat marks the 36th consecutive year Africa has been the destination of the Chinese foreign minister’s first overseas trip of the year.
The meeting also marked the launch of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a soft-power initiative to deepen cultural and social ties alongside economic cooperation.
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with trade reaching $282.1 billion in 2023.
During the talks, officials agreed to align Beijing’s 15th Five-Year Plan, which focuses on high-quality innovation and development, with the AU’s Agenda 2063 development framework to further expand practical cooperation.
The AU also reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China” principle.
The sides also pledged enhanced cooperation on the African Continental Free Trade Area and the implementation of China’s Global Security Initiative.
Wang will also visit Somalia and Tanzania before concluding his Africa tour in Lesotho on Jan. 12.