#International Cooperation #Johannesburg #South Africa #Global Governance #China-Africa

Strengthening Cooperation: The China-Africa Partnership Conference

On November 13, 2025, the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum's China-Africa Partnership Conference commenced in Johannesburg, South Africa. This significant event aimed to enhance collaboration, amplify the Global South's collective voice, and promote shared global governance. Co-hosted by prominent organizations including Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU), and South Africa's Independent Media, the two-day conference attracted over 200 delegates from more than 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations, and other institutions from both China and 41 African nations.

Themes of Collaboration

The conference centered around the theme "Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation." Focused on how media and think tanks can play a pivotal role in establishing a more just and inclusive global governance structure, the discussions addressed vital topics related to China-Africa partnerships.

In his keynote address, Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, emphasized the significance of China-Africa alliances. He referenced the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit held the previous year, where President Xi Jinping elevated the relationship to an all-weather China-Africa community, reinforcing the importance of this collaboration in the new era. Lyu articulated the need for comprehensive discussions aimed at making the Global South a stabilizing force for peace, a cornerstone for open development, and a constructive contributor to global governance.

Promoting Global South Initiatives

Lyu proposed the implementation of several initiatives designed to foster development in the Global South: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative. He underscored the role of media and think tanks in delivering reliable news coverage and conducting quality research guiding the Global South's contribution to the global governance reform process.

During the conference, Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa's Independent Media, praised the partnership between Africa and China as a beacon of effective cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared objectives for building a more equitable world order. Leslie Richer, AU's director of information and communication, elaborated on Africa's evolving role in global narratives, underlining a transition towards co-authoring the future of humanity, especially concerning climate, finance, and digital governance.

Shared Goals and Collaborative Efforts

The discussions highlighted the strong historical ties binding China to Africa through shared experiences of anti-colonialism and the mission towards development and revitalization. Ambassador Wu Peng reiterated that both entities are vital members of the Global South and can leverage this unique position to foster solidarity and cooperation among developing nations. The forum enabled representatives to exchange ideas freely, ensuring an inclusive platform for sharing knowledge and strategies to deal with global challenges collaboratively.

Over the course of the forum, participants engaged in deepened discussions revolving around critical subjects such as “China-Africa Commitments to Global Governance Reform,” “China-Africa Action for Global South Revitalization,” and “China-Africa Exchange in Global Civilizational Coexistence.” The narrative established from nearly 70 years of cooperation between China and Africa has transformed these relations into a model of a new kind of international partnership.

Ismaila Ceesay, the Gambian Minister of Information, emphasized that an inclusive and multipolar approach to global governance reflects the diversity of human experiences vital for future progress. Chinese representatives also expressed their commitment to enhancing African media through technology transfers and fostering infrastructure development. Xu Xinfu from China Energy Investment Corporation reiterated the intent to support renewable energy initiatives in Africa, strengthening the continent's energy security while promoting economic resilience.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The conference concluded with the presentation of a think tank report titled "Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership" and the launch of a Colombia partnership initiative, illustrating a commitment to ongoing collaboration and advocacy for reforming global governance systems. Such events signify the increasingly cohesive and influential voice of the Global South in shaping the future of international relations, focusing on collaboration aimed at achieving a shared and prosperous world for all stakeholders involved.