Attending the media briefing on the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit felt like witnessing history in the making.
Held at the National Press Club in Pretoria, the event brought together South African and Chinese officials, diplomats, journalists, and scholars to discuss the significance of the FOCAC Summit, which took place in Beijing from September 4th to 6th.
The venue was filled with an air of optimism and mutual respect as both nations celebrated their deepening ties.
The event began with a warm welcome from the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, who graciously thanked the South African National Press Club for organising the event. He extended his congratulations to South African journalists who successfully covered the Summit in China, acknowledging their role in fostering greater understanding between the two regions.
The ambassador’s speech highlighted that the Beijing Summit was the largest diplomatic event China has hosted in recent years, with 51 African heads of state or government in attendance.
His reflections on the forum were underscored by his decade-long experience in Africa-related affairs, where he had witnessed the growth of FOCAC from a fledgling initiative in 2000 to a guiding force in international cooperation today.
A key part of the address focused on the evolution of China-Africa relations, with the ambassador emphasizing how FOCAC has defied the pessimistic narrative of Africa as “the hopeless continent”.
He proudly noted that this year’s Summit marked a historic milestone in China-Africa relations, with five key themes or “Cs” defining the event’s outcomes: **Community, Consensus, Commitment, Creativity, and Coordination**.
The ambassador explained that the first “C”, *Community*, symbolises the building of a high-level community with a shared future between China and Africa. President Xi Jinping’s remarks at the Opening Ceremony emphasised that relations between China and Africa are stronger than ever.
The announcement of strategic partnerships with 30 African countries further solidified this bond, with Africa becoming the only continent to enjoy this level of partnership with China.
The second “C”, *Consensus*, reflected the shared vision for modernisation. The ambassador pointed to both China’s national rejuvenation efforts and Africa’s Agenda 2063 as key milestones on the modernization path.
He highlighted the significance of the “China-Africa Dar es Salaam Consensus”, an agreement between scholars from both regions that showcases a united stance on pursuing modernisation outside the framework of Westernisation.
The third “C”, *Commitment*, focused on the tangible road-map for the next phase of cooperation, outlining President Xi Jinping’s “Ten Partnership Actions” for the next three years. These commitments included infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, vocational education, and job creation, all backed by financial support amounting to 360 billion yuan.
Creativity was the fourth “C”, which highlighted four high-level meetings held during the Summit. These sessions explored issues like governance, industrialization, peace and security, and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation, each aiming to deepen China-Africa collaboration.
The final “C”, *Coordination*, pointed to the strategic alignment between China and Africa on global governance issues. The ambassador stressed that both regions have committed to promoting genuine multilateralism and opposing discriminatory practices in the global arena, paving the way for a more just and inclusive world order.
As the event progressed, it became clear that South Africa had played a significant role in the Summit’s success. Having served as co-chair of the Forum, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa made a state visit to China prior to the Summit and announced the elevation of China-South Africa relations to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership. This was a proud moment for South Africa, as agreements were signed on a range of issues, including housing, trade, and cultural heritage.
One of the highlights of the briefing was the ambassador’s mention of President Xi Jinping’s reply to a group of African scholars, including former South African Ambassador Gert Grobler. The letter expressed China’s appreciation for their intellectual contributions and their efforts in promoting the shared future of the Global South. It was a poignant reminder that academic and cultural exchanges are just as important as economic ties in fostering deeper relationships between nations.
As the event came to a close, the ambassador called on journalists and scholars present to continue their efforts in reporting on China-Africa relations. His final words captured the essence of the day: “Together, we can help build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.”
This media briefing not only provided insights into the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit but also reinforced the mutual respect and shared aspirations between China and Africa. As I left the venue, it was clear that this was more than just a diplomatic event — it was the continuation of a partnership grounded in trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for the future.
Ben Thamola is an independent writer, podcaster, and freelancer journalist