China and African Union Reinforce Strategic Partnership at 9th China–AU Strategic Dialogue in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 8 January 2026

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Wang Yi, co-chaired the 9th China–African Union Strategic Dialogue at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The high-level meeting underscored deepening cooperation between the African Union (AU) and China across political, economic, and global governance arenas.

On the same occasion, both leaders jointly attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, an initiative designed to enhance cultural, educational, and societal links between China and African nations

Strategic Dialogue: Shared Priorities and Global South Consensus

During their discussions, Youssouf and Wang exchanged views on joint efforts in advancing modernization, strengthening global governance mechanisms, expanding zero-tariff treatment arrangements, the development of the International Organization for Mediation, and prospects for peace and development in the Horn of Africa.

Both sides highlighted that China and the AU, as prominent members of the Global South, share broad consensus on major international and regional issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries, emphasizing the importance of enhanced coordination and cooperation to support peace, stability, and sustainable development globally and regionally.

One-China Policy and International Law

The African Union reaffirmed its firm commitment to the One-China principle, stating that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is part of China’s territory, and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal representative of China. The AU also expressed support for China’s efforts toward national reunification.

Both parties reiterated their support for an international order grounded in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Regional and Development Cooperation

The dialogue addressed concerns over recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, with both sides underscoring that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected and that fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law must be upheld.

Participants also discussed cooperation in key development areas, stressing the importance of aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with the African Union’s Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of Agenda 2063 and commitments under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Enhancing Initiative Coordination

Both sides agreed to strengthen communication, coordination, and mutual support on major initiatives. On the African side, this includes AU flagship projects such as Silencing the Guns by 2030 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). China’s side highlighted initiatives including the Global Security Initiative, the Global Governance Initiative, and the International Organization for Mediation.

Commitment to Practical Cooperation

Youssouf and Wang reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implement all signed cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding. They agreed to explore the full potential of practical cooperation between China and the AU, with the aim of delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both Africa and China.

Sources:

Joint Press Release of the African Union – China Strategic Dialogue, African Union Commission (8 Jan. 2026)

AU–China Strategic Dialogue Signals Deeper Partnership on Modernization and Global Governance, Pan African Visions (9 Jan. 2026)

China, African Union hold strategic dialogue at AU headquarters, Xinhua (9 Jan. 2026)