China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun his annual New Year visit to Africa, signaling Beijing’s intent to reinforce its political and economic presence across key strategic regions of the continent.
According to China’s foreign ministry, Wang’s tour will include stops in Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho, with a particular emphasis on East Africa, a region critical to global trade routes and regional security.
Wang’s visit to Somalia is especially notable, marking the first trip by a Chinese foreign minister to the country in several decades. The visit comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment for Mogadishu, following Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northern Somalia. Beijing has publicly reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity since the announcement.
China is seeking to strengthen its influence around the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea corridor, a vital passage for Chinese trade moving toward Europe via the Suez Canal. East Africa plays a central role in China’s maritime and security calculations linked to global supply chains.
Further south, Tanzania remains a cornerstone of China’s resource and infrastructure strategy. Chinese companies are currently involved in upgrading the Tazara Railway, a key transport link connecting Tanzania to Zambia. The rail corridor is viewed as strategically important for accessing southern Africa’s mineral wealth, particularly copper.
The railway project is also seen as an alternative to Western-backed infrastructure initiatives, including the Lobito Corridor, which connects Zambia to Atlantic ports through Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Wang’s final stop in Lesotho highlights Beijing’s broader trade agenda with developing nations. China has pledged tariff-free access to its market for the world’s least developed countries, a commitment announced by President Xi Jinping at the China–Africa cooperation summit in 2024.
Lesotho, one of Africa’s smallest and poorest economies, has faced economic pressure following high tariffs imposed by the United States on its exports last year. Chinese officials say enhanced trade access could help offset those losses.
Wang Yi’s Africa tour underscores China’s continued effort to position itself as a long-term strategic partner across the continent, blending diplomacy, trade and infrastructure investment.