China’s Foreign Minister Begins Diplomatic Tour of Four African Nations, to Attend AU Ceremony

Addis Ababa, January 7, 2026 (FMC) — China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has started an official visit to Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho from January 7 to 12, reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to strengthening strategic ties with African nations, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will attend the launch of the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The event marks the beginning of activities celebrating 70 years of diplomatic relations between China and Africa.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the visit continues a longstanding diplomatic tradition, noting that for 36 consecutive years, China’s foreign minister has chosen Africa for the first foreign tour of the year.

She stated that the tour aims to deepen political mutual trust, advance the implementation of outcomes from the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and promote broader cooperation between China and African countries. The engagements are also expected to give fresh impetus to building an “all-weather China–Africa community with a shared future.”

During the visit, Wang Yi is expected to hold high-level discussions with leaders of the four countries on strengthening cooperation in political, economic and cultural spheres.