Shortly after being elected as China's new president in mid-March, Xi Jinping embarked on an overseas state visit to Russia, Tanzania, South Africa and the Republic of the Congo. Xi also attended the Fifth BRICS (five emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit in Durban, South Africa.

During his trip to Africa, Xi signed more than 40 cooperative documents, including some major projects that have the potential to improve the livelihoods of African people. Xi also declared a series of measures to support African development, such as increasing aid to Africa and strengthening cooperation in financing, investment and career training. Xi stressed that these measures will be fully implemented without any political strings attached, so as to help African countries transform their advantages in resources into development advantages and realize diversified, independent and sustainable development.

Firm commitment

Xi's African tour was part of his first outbound trip as Chinese president, which indicates the significance of Africa in China's diplomatic and development strategies. This also shows that China's new leadership attaches great importance to developing Sino-African relations, and that China values its cooperation with emerging economies, as indicated by its relationships with other BRICS countries.

In his warmly received speech entitled "Trustworthy Friends and Sincere Long-Term Partners," which he delivered at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Center, Tanzania, Xi described Africa as "a continent of hope and promise" that has become one of the fastest growing regions and is forging ahead like a sprinting African lion. "China will intensify, not weaken, its efforts to expand relations with Africa," he vowed.

His remarks delivered clear messages. Though Africa has seen many conflicts and changes in recent years, such as the civil war in Cote d'Ivoire, the independence of South Sudan, war in Libya, chaos in North Africa and civil wars in Mali and the Central African Republic, China is still optimistic about Africa's future development. Based on this optimism, China will continue to strengthen and promote the development of its relations with Africa. It will continue its Africa policy of promoting sincere, friendly and pragmatic cooperation, and is confident about the future of such cooperation.

President Xi not only talked the talk, but also walked the walk. While he was in Tanzania, China and Tanzania signed MoUs relating to infrastructure construction, including the $10 billion Bagamoyo Port project. After completion, the port will become a trade hub connecting Tanzania and China, the Middle East and European market.

Xi also put forward the new idea of "a community of shared destinies." It is true that China and Africa have similar historical experiences, common development tasks and shared strategic interests, and view each other's development as their own opportunities. The Chinese dream should join hands with the African dream so that both sides can help each other advance future development.