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China Wraps Africa Tour With Push to Deepen AU Ties, Trade Pledges, TAZARA Support

Beijing touts progress on FOCAC pledges as it launches a packed 2026 exchange agenda.

Overview

  • Wang Yi concluded visits to the AU headquarters, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Lesotho, calling for stronger strategic mutual trust with the AU and reporting that over 90 percent of 2024 FOCAC goals are achieved or advancing.
  • China and Tanzania issued a joint communique to elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, expand two-way trade and investment, welcome the TAZARA revitalization, and explore a high-level Prosperity Belt meeting.
  • Beijing reiterated zero-tariff access for African partners and said it would encourage investment in Tanzania while both sides pledged to improve the business environment and coordinate development strategies.
  • In Lesotho, China pledged to accelerate zero-tariff implementation, broaden access for Lesotho products and support national development as Lesotho reaffirmed the one‑China principle.
  • A planned Somalia stop was postponed for scheduling reasons, with Wang using a call to oppose SomalilandTaiwan ties and to reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.