Setting a New Direction The Boao Forum for Asia has been central to the process of the realisation among the developing countries of their global importance

As developing and emerging nations move away from the periphery and start realising their collective importance and growing value in the transitioning of global geopolitics,a change of narrative and perception is taking shape.Since 2001,the Boao Forum for Asia(BFA),often dubbed the“Davos of Asia,”has been central to this process of self-realisation and has had a huge impact on the global stage.

In Pursuit of True Multilateralism:The US-hosted“Summit for Democracy”is provoking confrontation

Serious concerns are being raised about the state of the US politics,economy and international relations,not only outside the country,but also inside it.The so-called“Summit for Democracy”hosted by the US in late March focussed attention on governance and governments.

An Unstoppable March Towards Prosperity

In an inspirational speech in 1996,then South African Deputy President Thabo Mbeki said,“Whatever the setbacks of the moment,nothing can stop us now!Whatever the difficulties,Africa shall be at peace!However improbable it may sound to the sceptics,Africa will prosper!”

A Rebalancing Role

China’s evolving role in global affairs presents a narrative of progressive engagement,marked by a proactive stance on issues of trust,fairness,peace and stability.The country’s emergence as a significant player on the world stage is characterised not merely by economic prowess,but also by a growing commitment to mediating conflicts,fostering cooperation,and promoting mutual development.China’s burgeoning influence through various diplomatic initiatives and engagements has implications for the contemporary international order.

The Dragon Returns

The Chinese New Year celebrations highlight the importance of cultural connections.Africa is not just a geographical location;it’s a mosaic of ancient civilisations and indigenous knowledge blended with the dynamics of a modern society.These attributes create the right platform for growing China-Africa bonds.Many nations in the East celebrate the Spring Festival,or the Chinese New Year,which indicates the arrival of spring,a season that brings new life and reinvigorates one that is dormant.The festival has also been officially listed as a United Nations Floating Holiday in the UN Calendar of Conferences and Meetings starting in 2024.

Strengthening Food Solidarity

The second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture(FOCACA)held in Sanya,south China’s Hainan Province,from 13 to 15 November 2023 has emerged as a catalyst for enhanced food cooperation between China and Africa.The outcomes of this pivotal event deepened the commitment of the two sides to cooperation,focusing on mutual benefit,sustainable development,and common prosperity.

Vanguards Of the Future

The generation Z will play a defining role in determining the direction of human development The hopes of a country and the future of a nation lie in the hands of its young generation.This is the opening line of the preamble of the white paper titled Youth of China in the New Era published in April 2022 by the State Council Information Office of China.

Home Advantage

The 36th AU Summit calls for relying on African knowledge to create conditions for the continent’s development African thinking, African knowledge, African solutions and African resources are the key words that the African leaders are using in their messaging as they strive to be effective in addressing and creating conducive conditions for the continent to develop and thrive.

The Glorious Years

Nelson Mandela lifted the first Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis trophy held in South Africa in 1995,a year after the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.As the country looks forward to celebrating three decades of transition from a country that witnessed some of the worst crimes against humanity,its record fourth Rugby World Cup triumph is a definitive sign of how far it has come.The vision of Mandela and the founding icons of freedom in South Africa is gaining new significance as people grapple with the challenges of building a united and powerful nation as envisaged by those visionaries.

Taking Climate Responsibility

Developed and developing countries should shoulder their due responsibilities in dealing with climate change The Earth Summit,also known as the Rio Conference,was held in Brazil in 1992.It was in response to the euphoria that marked the end of the Cold War and the beginning of collaborative and cohesive global cooperation and international relations.

Towards a Harmonious Future President Xi Jinping presents vision for China, BRICS and global governance

In August,the Swahili version of Volume I of Xi Jinping:The Governance of China Volume I was launched in Nairobi,Kenya.This is the first time that the book is published in an African country in the local language.Xi Jinping:The Governance of China is the key for the international community to learn about contemporary China.Undoubtedly,the launch of the Swahili version of the important book will enable more African people to know more about China’s development philosophy.

Mutually Beneficial Investment

The South African Guild of Mobility Journalists recently announced the 2023 South African Car of the Year winners.Two Chinese car models achieved major milestones.The BAIC SA Beijing X55 won the coveted Compact Family category,while Chery took home the Motor Enthusiasts Choice Award,which was selected by votes from the South African public.This shows that the South African people are confident about Chinese brands and its investment in South Africa.

In a Better Place

China’s economic rebound lifts global growth prospects Life is fast returning to normal after China optimised its COVID-19-related policy at the end of 2022. People have shown strong interest in travel and other economic activities as they can move freely with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. China’s economy is on course for a robust recovery, which was indicated during the Spring Festival holiday on 21-27 January.

A Milestone Summit

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand pushes forward the process of dialogue to find solutions to today’s critical problemsThis city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan was once the centre of trade,a pearl connected to the ancient Silk Road,which was a key trade route of the time.

Towards Cooperative Development

China’s Global Development Initiative recognises that the present inflection moment is an opportunity to initiate and inject fresh thinking to generate new ideas for global development Article 55 of Chapter IX of United Nations Charter,October 24,1945,states:"With a view to the creation of conditions of stability and well-being which are necessary for peaceful and friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples,the United Nations shall promote:higher standards of living,full employment,and conditions of economlc and soclal progress and development;solutions of internatlonal economlc,soclal,health,and related problems;and international cultural and educational cooperation;and universal respect for,and observance of,human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race,sex.language,or religion."

Silencing The Guns

China’s Horn of Africa initiative will help promote peace and development in the region The appointment of Ambassador Xue Bing in the newly created role of Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Foreign Ministry is a clear indication of China’s commitment to Africa.

Bracing for Change

The idea of expanding the BRICS group reflects a commitment to true multilateralism Three of the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN)Security Council that have the veto power are also members of the military alliance North Atlantic Treaty Organization. What impact has this had on the UN’s core role of maintaining peace and stability?

One Country,Two Systems,25 Years On

Hong Kong’s return to China has brought enormous benefits to the city’s development in all aspects On July 1,1997,the Chinese Government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR)was established.The concept of One Country,Two Systems was applied to its governance.

An Exemplary Leadership

The success of the governance of China raises China’s influence around the world Leading a Party of more than 96 million members must be a remarkable task for Xi Jinping, who was elected general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee at the 20th National Congress of the CPC in October. The membership of the CPC itself outnumbers the population of many countries.

One-China Principle Must Be Respected

Nancy Pelosi’s provocative visit to China’s Taiwan region is raising tensions across Taiwan Straits The condemnation by the international community of the visit of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi to China’s Taiwan region shows how the U.S. has muddled its foreign policy.