China's Foreign Minister Visits Africa, Signals Recalibrated Engagement in 2026

In January 2026, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho, continuing a 36-year tradition of prioritizing Africa in China's foreign diplomacy. The visit underscored China's longstanding ties with Africa, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations and launching the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. While reaffirming solidarity and historical partnership, China signaled a recalibration of its engagement to address challenges like debt concerns, security issues, and increased global competition, without reducing its commitment to the continent.