FOCAC SUMMIT

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Context:

The 9th edition of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit was held in Beijing in September 2024.

About Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

• It was established in 2000.
• The objective is to strengthen the relationship between China and African countries. 
• 53 African countries are members.
• Eswatini is the only African country which is not part of this forum. 
• A summit is conducted every three years.
• The 2024 summit theme is “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”

About Africa It is the world's second-largest and second-most-populous continent.  The continent is surrounded by: Mediterranean Sea to the north Red Sea to the northeast Indian Ocean to the southeast Atlantic Ocean to the west It includes 54 recognized sovereign Countries.

Analysing the Key Outcome of the FOCAC Summit 2024

• China announced a $51 billion fund and support for 30 infrastructure projects in Africa. 
  • • China aims to increase its influence and goodwill in Africa by moving from large-scale infrastructure to more manageable and impactful projects. 
    • China is moving towards advanced and green technology projects. This strategy is in line with the global trend towards sustainability and innovation. 
• The forum serves as a platform for China to increase its influence in Africa and project China as a global leader in development and sustainability. 
• China is criticised for its “debt trap diplomacy”, a term used to highlight a situation where countries struggle with debt repayment of Chinese loans and accept the terms and conditions set by China in bilateral relations.
  • • China tried to correct its image by emphasising smaller and more strategically beneficial projects to benefit countries from sustainable projects and also not feel the pressure of debt.
• Concerns raised by African countries:
• • • African nations are seeking more financial support from China to complete and expand critical projects. 
    • African countries have raised concerns about the increasing trade imbalance with China.

Overview of China-Africa Relation

• During the 1950s, China supported independence movements in African countries and established trade relations. 
  • • The support of China helped the African countries gain a diplomatic edge and influence in the global forum. 
• In the 1970s, the Tanzania-Zambia railway line highlighted China's entry into African infrastructure projects. 
• With time, China's engagement in Africa increased, and by 2009, China became the largest trading partner of Africa.
• In 2023, the China- Africa trade volume reached $282 billion.
• In 2022-23, India-Africa trading was about $100 billion. 
• China's ambitious Project Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched to re-establish ancient trade routes, has faced criticism for promoting debt dependency in African nations. 

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Source: 

Indian Express

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements in the context of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC): 1. It was established in the 1980s to strengthen the partnership between China and African nations. 2. The FOCAC summit is held every three years. 3. China is the second largest bilateral trading partner in Africa. How many of the above statements are incorrect? A) Only one B) Only two C) All three  D) None Answer: B Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: FOCAC was established in the early 2000s to strengthen cooperation between China and African countries in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges. Statement 2 is correct: The FOCAC summit is held every three years, and it serves as a platform for leaders to review progress, discuss new initiatives, and strengthen bilateral ties. Statement 3 is incorrect: China is currently the largest bilateral trading partner in Africa. The trade volume between China and Africa was around $282 billion  in 2023