Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi just doubled down on Beijing's decades-long diplomatic tradition: prioritizing Africa above all else. For 35 years straight, China's top diplomats have kicked off their global travels with visits to African nations – a practice Wang called 'unwavering' during talks with Namibia's President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah this week.
🌱 'This isn't just about stamps in passports,' Wang emphasized. The ritual symbolizes China's commitment to being Africa's ride-or-die partner in development and global advocacy. With 2.8 billion people represented between China and African nations, Wang framed the alliance as crucial for countering Western-dominated international systems.
💡 Why it matters: As geopolitical tensions rise, China's 'Africa first' strategy reinforces South-South cooperation. The tradition – older than TikTok and as reliable as your favorite app update – positions Beijing as Africa's go-to collaborator for infrastructure, tech, and political clout.
