Why is Africa so close to China? By Vox South | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-08-31 11:16

Why is Africa so close to China? By Vox South | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-08-31 11:16 https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202408/31/WS66d28b29a3108f29c1fc965d.html China and Africa used to seem so far away from each other. As the British poet W. H. Auden once wrote, "I'll love you, dear, I'll love you till China and Africa meet." However, Africa and China have established an exceptionally close and friendly relationship a long time ago. This September, the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be once again held in Beijing. According to announcements from Beijing and Africa, dozens of African leaders are expected to travel thousands of miles against all odds for the gathering, which will undoubtedly underpin Beijing's recent statement that the China-Africa relationship is "in its prime in history".