China’s Xi Praises “Best in History” Africa Ties, Pledges $50 Billion in Financial and Military Aid

Chinese leader Xi Jinping hailed the “best in history” ties between China and African nations during a major diplomatic event in Beijing on Thursday, pledging $50 billion in financial aid and $140 million in military support over the next three years. Speaking to delegates from over 50 African nations at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Xi emphasized the importance of deepening strategic relations, highlighting cooperation in areas like infrastructure, industry, security, and green development. Xi’s pledge, which includes credit funds and private investments, underscores Beijing’s commitment to the continent despite recalibrating its spending under the Belt and Road Initiative. The fresh military aid, aimed at bolstering Africa’s security capacities, further signals China’s growing strategic ambitions in the region, where it has already established its first overseas military base in Djibouti. Xi’s speech, emphasizing a “shared future” and pushing back against Western-dominated global systems, comes amid rising competition with the U.S. and Europe, both of which are vying for Africa’s critical resources and geopolitical influence. African leaders, including South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, responded positively, commending China’s solidarity and support in navigating global challenges such as climate change and the competition for critical minerals. However, while China has been a leading foreign economic power in Africa, concerns over debt levels persist as Beijing continues to navigate its role amid mounting global tensions and shifts in the global security order.