China Foreign Ministry Press Conference: Africa Cooperation, Xinjiang, Panama Canal

China-Africa Cooperation Initiatives

• 💡 China announced zero tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, facilitating exports for least developed countries.
• 🤝 The ministerial meeting in Changsha, Hunan, focused on implementing 10 partnership actions to advance modernization and build a "China-Africa community with a shared future."
• 🔑 Foreign Minister Wang Yi proposed five actions, including upholding global south solidarity, championing free global trade, and promoting mutual benefit in global development.
• 📜 The meeting issued the "China-Africa Changsha Declaration" on global south solidarity and cooperation, alongside a concept paper for the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Economic Ties with Africa

• 📈 China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, demonstrating significant economic engagement.
• 💰 Since the last Beijing summit, China has provided over RMB 13.3 billion in additional investment and RMB 150 billion in funding to Africa.
• 📊 Trade volume between China and Africa reached RMB 963 billion in the first five months of the year, marking a 12.4% year-on-year increase and a record high.

Response to Xinjiang Allegations

• ❌ The spokesperson denied allegations of forced labor in China's Xinjiang region, stating they are "nothing but a lie propagated by certain anti-China forces."
• ⚠️ China urged organizations to stop interfering in its internal affairs and undermining stability in Xinjiang under the pretext of human rights.

Panama Canal Sovereignty

• 🚢 China noted reports on the purchase of Siki Hutchinson assets and the Panama Canal authority's concern about capacity concentration and risks to Panama's competitiveness.
• ✅ China firmly opposes economic coercion and bullying practices, affirming its respect for Panama's sovereignty and the canal as a permanently neutral international waterway.
• 🛡️ China supports Panama's efforts as an independent sovereign country to uphold independence and defend its lawful rights and interests.

US-China Economic Talks

• 🗓️ Representatives from China and the United States held an economic and financial meeting in London on June 9th and 10th.
• 💬 The spokesperson stated they had no further information to offer regarding the outcomes or next steps of these consultations.