The Third Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations is held in Beijing on April 9, 2024. Photo: China-Africa Institute

Editor's Note:

China and Africa are important birthplaces of human civilizations. They share many similarities and are very compatible. They both advocate for mutual respect, peaceful exchanges and opposition to hegemony and share many traditional cultural values. The dialogue between China and Africa is injecting new connotations into the enduring spirit of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa.

Recently, at the third Conference on Dialogue Between Chinese and African Civilizations held in Beijing, by the China-Africa Institute, experts in attendance discussed the inheritance, sharing and development of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. The Global Times has selected the viewpoints of four attending officials and experts.

Liu Yuxi, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs

Strengthening cooperation with Africa and developing countries is always a top priority for China's diplomacy. Under the leadership of Chinese and African leaders, the path of development between China and Africa is becoming wider, with the hearts of the people on both sides getting closer, continuing to lead the way in building a global community of shared future.

Over the years, China and Africa have stood by each other. China's cooperation with Africa has always adhered to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China does not interfere in Africa's development path and internal affairs, nor does it impose its own will on African countries, attach any political conditions or seek political gains in investment and financing. These are the key factors to the success of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

China and Africa are committed to being builders of world peace, contributors to global development and upholders of international order. In the face of hegemony and the resurgence of cold war mentality, China and Africa have actively carried out cooperation. They support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, safeguarding the common interests of developing countries. This has become a significant force in defending international fairness and justice and practicing multilateralism.

Moreover, China-Africa cooperation has never been closed or exclusive but open, confident and innovative, setting an example for practicing multilateralism. Africa should not become an arena for major powers, and all parties should listen to Africa's voice and work together to help Africa grow stronger and achieve peaceful development.

Rahamtalla M. Osman, Permanent Representative of the African Union to China

In today's world, with its complexities and intertwined uncertainties, dialogue among different civilizations is especially crucial. Dialogue facilitates effective understanding, mutual respect and cooperation among different cultures and societies, thereby bringing more peace, tranquility, and progress to the world.

Regarding dialogue between Chinese and African civilizations, I have three points. Firstly, I want to address the importance of "inheritance." Both Africa and China boast glorious civilizations that have played irreplaceable roles in the history of human civilization. They are not only the foundation upon which we stand but also the intrinsic driving forces propelling us forward. The history of friendly exchanges between Africa and China dates back to ancient times. Both sides have long engaged in communication along the Silk Road, co-writing brilliant chapters of civilization. Today, we should continue to inherit the spirit of this friendly cooperation, constantly deepening and expanding the relationship between Africa and China. This is our shared responsibility and mission, as well as our expectation and commitment for the future.

Secondly, we need to focus on sharing. Based on the principle of equality and mutual benefit, both Africa and China work together to share the opportunities and achievements of development. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative has provided us with effective platforms for cooperation. Through deepening exchanges and cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, science and technology, environmental protection, and culture, we can achieve optimized allocation and complementarity of resources and jointly address global challenges. Furthermore, we need to pay attention to the well-being of the people, ensuring that the results of cooperation between Africa and China benefit the vast population and achieve common development and prosperity.

Finally, development, a common goal and pursuit for both countries has always been central to our cooperation. We should stick to a people-centered, innovation-driven approach to development, aiming to take African-Chinese collaboration to greater heights. In various fields such as cultural exchange, digital economy, renewable energy and biotechnology, there's ample room for cooperation between both sides. By enhancing technological innovation and nurturing talent, we can work hand in hand to foster prosperity and growth in African-Chinese economies and societies.

Allawi Ssemanda, Executive Director of Development Watch Centre in Uganda

From the Global Development Initiative to the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization lnitiative, the evidence is overwhelming that China is very committed when it comes to working with partners like us [African countries] to address global challenges. China has also provided us with a good example of the eradication of extreme poverty, which truly inspires us. Maybe it is high time that we Africans embrace China's path to development. Of course, we would say the African path to development, with African characteristics. We all remember how the Western development modal crippled us, through structural adjustment programs that the West imposed on us.

In Western media, we hardly hear of win-win cooperation when discussing China-Africa cooperation. We only hear of the "debt trap," or claims "China wants to colonize you." So, what do we do? Continue listening to Western media manufactured lies, and fear the Chinese, who unlike the West have never colonized any country? If you ask me, we must look at what works for our countries and fully embrace the views of a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. However, we should also be aware that these important steps we want to take will face opposition from the usual suspects in Western Capitals.

You are probably wondering why Western countries loved and then hated China's development story. The answer is simple: libido dominandi [a desire for domination]. Western countries wrongly think they are the masters and most knowledgeable, and so their desire to dominate others while arrogantly thinking that anything to be considered to work must come from them is real and alive.

Africa and the Global South should know that Western liberalism is not a normal political ideology, it's a force based on continuous expansion. 

Hassan Ragab, Director of the Confucius Institute at the Suez Canal University in Egypt

In cooperation between Egypt and China, we can see that a solid foundation of political mutual trust has been established between Egypt and China through high-level visits and strategic dialogues, providing a solid guarantee for the deepening of cooperation.

There is economic complementarity between China and Egypt. China has abundant financial and technological resources and provides support in areas such as infrastructure, energy and communication, which has been crucial for Egypt's economic development. Egypt has rich natural and human resources, giving both countries' natural advantages and the potential for cooperation.

Cultural and educational exchanges between China and Egypt are deepening, with cooperation increasing in fields such as culture, education, technology and tourism, enhancing friendship and understanding between the two peoples.

Both China and Egypt actively participate in international cooperation mechanisms. With Egypt officially becoming a member of the BRICS and the African Union having been made a permanent member of the G20, China and Egypt have jointly promoted the reform and construction of the international order under these mechanisms, safeguarding the common interests of developing countries and creating a new international cooperation platform.