Elevating the Bilateral Relationship between China and the DRC: China and Democratic Republic of the Congo Strengthens Partnership

Elevating the Bilateral Relationship:

In a significant announcement, the presidents of China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared the elevation of their bilateral relationship from a strategic partnership of win-win cooperation to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. During talks in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and DRC President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo emphasized their countries’ profound traditional friendship, established through shared struggles for national liberation and opposition to colonial aggression.

Fruitful Cooperation:

President Xi acknowledged the fruitful results of bilateral cooperation in recent years, highlighting China’s role as the DRC’s largest trading partner and a consistent source of foreign investment. The two leaders underscored the development of a close community of shared interests and a shared future. President Xi further expressed China’s belief in the right and ability of developing countries to chart their own paths to modernization, offering support for the DRC’s development strategies and promoting cooperation and mutual growth.

China pledged to continue aiding the DRC in its economic and social development, particularly by supporting the country’s industrialization strategy. President Xi outlined areas of strengthened cooperation, including energy, mining, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, digital economy, education, and health. China also expressed readiness to send agricultural technology experts to the DRC.

Moreover, China encouraged the DRC to provide policy support and service convenience for Chinese enterprises investing and conducting business in the country, fostering a fair, just, and safe business environment. The two leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, upholding true multilateralism, and defending international fairness and justice.

President Xi emphasized the longstanding China-Africa partnership, urging increased solidarity and cooperation in the face of the current international situation. He called for adherence to the basic norms of international relations, rejection of hegemonism and power politics, non-interference in internal affairs of other countries, and protection of the common interests of developing nations. China affirmed its unwavering support for Africa’s pursuit of independent development and becoming an influential force in global politics, economy, and civilization.

President Tshisekedi congratulated China on the successful 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and applauded President Xi’s leadership and China’s remarkable achievements in the new era. The DRC expressed its commitment to deepening cooperation with China and praised the positive outcomes of China-Africa cooperation, including the Belt and Road Initiative, sustainable development, and the vision of a shared future between China and Africa.

As China and the DRC solidify their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, their strengthened collaboration holds the promise of mutual benefits, shared development, and enhanced regional and global cooperation.