China’s foreign minister Wang Yi on Wednesday began his annual New Year visit to Africa, travelling to a series of strategically important countries as Beijing seeks to reinforce its political and economic influence across the continent.
Wang’s tour will take him to Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho, the Chinese foreign ministry said, continuing a long-standing diplomatic tradition in which China’s top diplomat makes Africa the destination of his first overseas trip of the year.
The visit comes as China, the world’s second-largest economy, looks to consolidate partnerships in Africa at a time of growing global competition for influence, resources and strategic footholds on the continent.
Particular attention is expected to focus on East Africa, a region that plays a critical role in China’s trade, security and infrastructure ambitions, including projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Wang’s stop in Somalia is especially notable, marking the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister since the 1980s. The trip is likely to be seen in Mogadishu as a diplomatic boost following Israel’s decision last month to become the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
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Somaliland, a northern region of Somalia, declared independence in 1991 but has not been recognised by the United Nations or most of the international community. Somalia continues to claim sovereignty over the territory, and any moves towards recognition have been strongly opposed by the federal government.
China has consistently backed Somalia’s territorial integrity and is expected to reiterate its support for the “one Somalia” principle during Wang’s visit, analysts say.
China has expanded its engagement in Somalia in recent years, including diplomatic support, development assistance and security cooperation. Beijing has also contributed to United Nations peacekeeping efforts in the country, which has faced decades of conflict and instability.
In Ethiopia, Wang is expected to hold talks with senior officials in Addis Ababa, home to the African Union’s headquarters and a key hub for China’s diplomatic engagement with Africa. China is one of Ethiopia’s largest bilateral creditors and investors, having financed major infrastructure projects including railways, roads and industrial parks.
Relations between Beijing and Addis Ababa have remained close despite Ethiopia’s recent internal conflicts, with China emphasising non-interference and support for African-led solutions to regional crises.
The visit to Tanzania underscores the country’s importance as a long-standing Chinese partner in East Africa. China was instrumental in building the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s, one of the most symbolic projects of early China-Africa cooperation. Today, Tanzania remains central to China’s interests in ports, logistics and trade corridors along the Indian Ocean.
Wang’s final stop, Lesotho, highlights Beijing’s continued outreach to smaller African nations. Lesotho is one of the few countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China rather than Taiwan, a key priority for Beijing as it seeks to isolate Taipei on the international stage.
China has made Africa a cornerstone of its foreign policy over the past two decades, becoming the continent’s largest trading partner and a major source of loans, investment and infrastructure financing. However, its role has also drawn scrutiny, with critics raising concerns over debt sustainability, transparency and the long-term impact of Chinese-funded projects.
Beijing has rejected accusations of “debt-trap diplomacy”, insisting that its engagement is based on mutual benefit and respect for sovereignty.
Wang’s Africa tour comes amid slower economic growth at home and rising competition from Western nations, the Gulf states and emerging powers, all seeking to deepen ties with African governments.
By maintaining the tradition of a New Year visit and focusing on politically and strategically sensitive locations, China appears determined to signal that Africa remains central to its global diplomatic strategy.
