China and 53 African countries have jointly urged the United States to abandon its increasingly aggressive trade tactics and embrace more balanced and respectful negotiations.
The call comes in response to a recent wave of steep tariffs imposed by the U.S. on exports from several African nations.
The statement was released after a high-level meeting in Changsha, in China’s southern Hunan province, where Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with African officials.
It reflects growing frustration over what many see as unilateral and punitive trade policies by Washington, particularly targeting smaller economies with limited leverage on the global stage.
The U.S. announced new tariffs in April, with some African countries hit hardest. Lesotho faced duties as high as 50%, Madagascar 47%, Mauritius 40%, Botswana 38%, and South Africa, the continent’s biggest exporter to the U.S. saw 31% tariffs slapped on key goods.
The move was seen by many African leaders as a blow to already fragile economies still recovering from global shocks.
In response, China and its African partners called for a shift back to dialogue and cooperation. They encouraged all nations to resolve trade issues through mutual respect and equal consultation, without using smaller or developing countries as bargaining chips in broader economic disputes.
China, positioning itself as a reliable trade partner, reaffirmed its commitment to opening its markets to Africa.
The country pledged to implement zero-tariff policies for all 53 African nations it maintains diplomatic relations with, excluding only Eswatini, the lone African country that formally supports Taiwan.
Beijing’s growing ties with Africa come at a time when its own economy is slowing and its state-run infrastructure firms are seeking new overseas projects.
African countries have become key allies and markets for Chinese investments, ranging from road construction and agriculture to the fast-growing sectors of electric vehicles and solar technology.
