China and Africa relations are going strong: Predictable ties in unpredictable times
 
On 10 January, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his annual Africa visit to Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho, with a last-minute addition to his itinerary in Somalia. This is the 36^th consecutive year that China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has chosen Africa to be his first overseas trip every year. Wang Yi attended the 9th China–African Union Strategic Dialogue at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. A joint press release issued that “China and the African Union, members of the Global South, share a broad consensus on major international and regional issues. They underscored the importance of jointly safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of the Global South and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other to safeguard their respective core interests and major concerns.”
Additionally, the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was launched at the African Union headquarters. Wang Yi said: “Facts have shown that people-to-people exchanges form the most solid foundation of China-Africa friendship, while mutual learning among civilisations serves as the strongest driving force for China-Africa cooperation.”

Highlights of the meeting were the cancellation of Wang Yi’s visit to Somalia. They cited a scheduling issue, but he held a phone conversation with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Dhaay. Wang Yi expressed support for Somalia in safeguarding its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and opposed the creation of Somaliland. And it’s growing relations with Taiwan. He reaffirmed Somalia's adherence to the one-China principle. Wang Yi in Lesotho affirmed to uphold the zero-tariff policy for African countries and expand their economic bilateral ties. In Tanzania, Wang Yi expressed commitment to the TAZARA Railway revitalisation project. The leader also committed to a high-level TAZARA Railway Prosperity Belt meeting in the near future. The meeting with Ethiopian leaders is also significant as it iterates commitment to the One-China policy as it is growing closer to Somaliland, which in turn has recognised Taiwan in 1991.

Why is Africa always the first pit stop for the Chinese Foreign Minister?
The answer to this is consistent and stable relations, following tradition and the growing economic and bilateral relations. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. General Administration of Customs of China reported that China and Africa reached USD 314 billion by November 2025. This has exceeded the 2024 record of USD 300 billion in volume in trade volume. China is the largest investor in Africa, and for Beijing, the sheer number of African countries is a tacit support in the international forum.

References
“The Launching Ceremony of the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges Held at the African Union Headquarters,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China, 09 January 2026
“Foreign Minister Wang Yi pushes soft power on annual swing through Africa,” Africa Confidential, 12 January 2026
“China's top diplomat postpones visit to Somalia, arrives in Tanzania,” Reuters, 09 January 2026
“FM to wrap up Africa visit; ‘tradition shows commitment’,” Global Times, 12 January 2026