African leaders have arrived in Beijing in recent days for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which will be held today (September 4). This is the first meeting between Chinese and African leaders in Beijing since 2018, and comes at a crucial time in China-Africa relations. The summit will focus on trade between the two sides.

In recent decades, Chinese funding has fueled the construction of highways, railways and power plants across Africa. The funding has expanded China’s political influence but also sparked criticism that it is saddling countries with unsustainable debt.

As a result, Chinese President Xi Jinping and officials are likely to offer new sustainable investments and more cooperation on green technologies that China is leading the world in producing.

This week’s summit will be Beijing’s most high-profile opportunity to convey that vision. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa made a pointed call for China to “reduce the trade deficit and address the structure of trade” during a bilateral meeting with Xi on September 2.

Some of the leaders attending the triennial forum come from countries struggling with large international debts, including loans from China, but are also looking for more investment and trade to boost their economies.

China is also expected to push to turn the African market into a destination for its abundant green technology manufacturing such as solar panels and electric vehicles.

The move is likely to be welcomed by African nations struggling with power shortages and climate threats, but also comes as Chinese goods face high tariffs in the US, Europe and Canada.

Visiting leaders are likely to continue to support Xi Jinping’s push for a global “community with a shared future.” Attendees may also express unified views on global issues such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Ngoc Anh (according to CNN)