Xi's Botswana, Togo meetings: What they mean for China-Africa ties

The upgraded partnerships between China and Botswana and between China and Togo will provide a stronger political foundation and greater certainty for future cooperation, Ma Hanzhi, an associate research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told CGTN following President Xi Jinping's meetings with the two countries' leaders on Tuesday.

Ma said the visits underscore the high level of China-Africa relations in a year marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.

They also come as both sides work to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), ahead of the next FOCAC ministerial conference in 2027.

Upgraded ties set stage for closer cooperation On Tuesday, Xi and Botswana's President Duma Gideon Boko agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership , while Xi and President of the Council of the Togolese Republic Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a China-Togo community with a shared future for the new era.

The elevation of bilateral relations reflects the needs and aspirations of both sides, providing a stronger political foundation and greater strategic certainty for future cooperation, Ma said.

China and Botswana, as well as China and Togo, have long served as examples of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, Ma noted, adding that the upgraded ties demonstrate both sides' commitment to closer ties.

Ma also pointed out that the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Botswana will open up new opportunities for cooperation in critical minerals and help enhance Botswana's regional influence.

Meanwhile, the China-Togo community with a shared future for the new era will translate the broader China-Africa vision of a community with a shared future into more concrete outcomes at the bilateral level, creating new opportunities for exchanges and cooperation across a wide range of fields, Ma added.

Mining cooperation to support Africa's industrial development During his meeting with Boko, Xi put forward four proposals on China-Africa mining cooperation: respecting the principle that Africa's resources belong to Africa, upholding the principle of mutual benefit, pursuing high-quality development, and maintaining a fair and open environment for cooperation.

Ma said the proposals respond directly to Africa's growing calls for resource sovereignty and greater local value addition.

They also address the continent's need to strengthen its industrial capacity and attract international investment, he added.

The principle that Africa's resources belong to Africa affirms the continent's resource sovereignty and right to development.