Chinese President Xi Jinping has underscored the enduring strength and future promise of China–Africa relations, describing people-to-people exchanges as a vital pillar for deepening mutual understanding and advancing shared development, as he sent a congratulatory message to the opening ceremony of the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
In his letter on Thursday, President Xi noted that the decision to designate 2026 as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges coincides with the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries. He described the initiative as an important consensus reached by leaders on both sides and a significant step towards consolidating popular support for China–Africa friendship at a new historical starting point.
Xi emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations remain an inexhaustible driving force for the progress of human civilization, as well as for global peace and development. He observed that the great civilizations of China and Africa have enriched each other over thousands of years, forming the historical and intellectual foundation of the long-standing friendship between both sides.
Calling on China and Africa to seize the opportunities presented by the commemorative year, the Chinese leader urged both sides to carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen mutual learning among civilizations and expand people-to-people exchanges. He placed particular emphasis on youth engagement, deeper exchanges of governance experience and closer cooperation in jointly advancing modernization.
According to Xi, these efforts would help forge stronger bonds among the more than 2.8 billion people of China and Africa, fostering unity of purpose, shared aspirations and collective strength. He added that closer people-to-people ties would also enable both sides to make fresh contributions to Global South solidarity in tackling global challenges, promoting the common values of humanity and building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges is expected to serve as a platform for cultural, educational and social cooperation, further reinforcing the human dimension of China–Africa relations as both sides chart a common path towards development and global engagement.
