China and 53 African countries have jointly urged nations across the globe, particularly the US, to return to fair and respectful methods of resolving trade differences. The call followed a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African officials in Changsha, where leaders criticized the US for imposing duties as high as 50% on goods from countries like Lesotho and South Africa. In contrast, China has offered zero-tariff measures to its African partners, excluding Eswatini for its ties to Taiwan, highlighting Beijing’s growing influence on the continent. As China’s economy slows and its local governments cut back spending, Africa is becoming a vital market for its infrastructure, electric vehicles, and solar exports, positioning the continent at the center of intensifying global trade rivalries.
Reuters
