The relationship between China and Africa has been steadily evolving since 2013, when Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined the principles of “zhen shi qin cheng” (sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith) as the foundation for China’s Africa policy. These principles have guided the development of fruitful cooperation projects and fostered meaningful cultural exchanges and friendships. This is especially evident at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where cultural exchanges and joint conservation efforts are prominently displayed.
One powerful symbol of this growing friendship is the African Cultural and Tourism Center in Beijing. Since its opening in 2021, this center has become a hub for showcasing African art, culture, and tourism, bridging the gap between Chinese and African visitors. Located in northeastern Beijing, the center provides an immersive experience of African culture. A towering yellow giraffe statue greets visitors as they enter the center, which houses exhibits featuring African wooden carvings, stone sculptures, jewelry, and handcrafted items – many of which are created by African homemakers to supplement their income.
Feng Xinxin, the center’s founder, explains, “Africans are known for their dancing and artistic talents, and their art reflects deep cultural significance. I want visitors to truly experience the essence of Africa.” The center has transcended its role as a cultural venue, transforming into a bridge connecting the people of China and Africa. Chinese visitors are often surprised by how little they knew about Africa, while African visitors, including many officials and embassy staff, are deeply touched by the center’s dedication to promoting their culture. The center also functions as a tourism promotion site for Uganda, further solidifying its role in fostering cultural and emotional connections between China and Africa.
President Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges in strengthening the China-Africa partnership. During the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, he declared, “Let us build a China-Africa community with a shared future that enjoys cultural prosperity.” His vision for stronger ties extends beyond cultural exchanges to encompass art, education, sports, and think-tank collaborations. In recent years, China and Africa have established numerous “corridors” for exchange, including over 30 cultural institutions from 10 African countries joining the Silk Road international alliance.
Initiatives like the China-Africa Youth Festival, the Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation, and the China-Africa Young Leaders Forum have been instrumental in fostering deeper ties between the two regions. Furthermore, 34 African countries have gained Approved Destination Status for organized tours of Chinese citizens, further enhancing people-to-people engagement.
At the 2024 FOCAC Summit, participants like David Monyae, director of the Center for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, recognize the critical role of cultural exchanges in deepening ties. Monyae emphasizes the summit’s theme, “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” as an ideal opportunity to celebrate friendship and chart the course for future cooperation.
The ancient connections between China and Africa are showcased in exhibitions like “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt”, currently on display at the Shanghai Museum. This exhibition, co-hosted by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt, features nearly 800 artifacts from ancient Egypt, captivating Chinese visitors with its historical treasures. Egyptologist Salima Ikram from the American University in Cairo believes that the cultural connections between ancient Chinese and African civilizations offer invaluable inspiration to future generations. “There is much to learn from these ancient civilizations that can guide the future of China-Africa relations,” Ikram remarked.
President Xi Jinping has highlighted the crucial role of young people in carrying forward the China-Africa friendship. This sentiment is reflected in the growing number of Chinese and African youth actively contributing to the ongoing cultural exchanges between the two regions. Edwin Aira, a Kenyan PhD student in Beijing, exemplifies this commitment. He volunteers at the African Cultural and Tourism Center, introducing Chinese tourists to the rich traditions of the Masai tribe. “I try to show people the culture they would encounter if they traveled to Kenya,” he explains.
Similarly, Solomon Mofe Aghaye, a Nigerian student at Beijing Foreign Studies University, has witnessed how Chinese scholarships and Confucius Institutes in Africa have promoted a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and language among African students. He notes that these exchanges have also sparked growing interest in African culture within China. Aghaye believes that cultural exchanges provide a platform for mutual understanding. “Through these interactions, stereotypes are dismantled, and young people can see each other as partners rather than members of distant societies.”
The shared future of China and Africa is visible in scenes like an African volunteer introducing cultural artifacts to a Chinese child at the African Cultural and Tourism Center, fostering cross-cultural understanding from a young age. These ongoing exchanges serve as a testament to the evolving relationship between China and Africa, built on mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and the shared vision of a brighter future.
