China’s President Xi Jinping said Beijing is ready to work with African countries to address the economic and security spillovers from the Middle East conflict, as global tensions ripple across developing economies.
Xi made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo, according to Chinese state media.
“The spillover effects of the Middle East conflict are affecting African countries, and China is willing to work with African partners to respond together, promote peace together, and pursue development together,” Xi said.
The comments come as rising oil prices, disrupted trade routes and heightened geopolitical uncertainty linked to tensions in the Gulf region weigh on African economies, many of which are heavily dependent on energy imports.
Countries across the continent have faced increasing pressure on inflation, currencies and fiscal balances as fuel costs rise and supply chains tighten.
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Xi called for joint efforts between China and African nations to push for a ceasefire and support diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
He also urged the international community to “practice genuine multilateralism,” signalling Beijing’s continued emphasis on collective approaches to global crises.
Analysts say China’s outreach reflects its broader strategy to strengthen ties with Africa at a time of heightened geopolitical competition, particularly with Western countries.
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China is Africa’s largest trading partner and a major investor in infrastructure, energy and mining projects across the continent.
Beijing has also played an increasingly active role in diplomatic efforts related to global conflicts, positioning itself as an advocate for negotiated settlements.
The meeting with Mozambique comes as China seeks to deepen bilateral relations with resource-rich African nations, particularly those with strategic importance in energy and mineral supply chains.
Mozambique, for its part, is a key player in the liquefied natural gas sector and has been working to develop its energy resources despite security challenges in parts of the country.
The discussion highlighted the growing interconnectedness between geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and economic conditions in Africa.
Higher oil prices, driven by fears of supply disruptions in key transit routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, have had cascading effects on fuel-importing nations across the continent.
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Economists warn that prolonged instability could slow growth, increase borrowing costs and complicate efforts by African governments to stabilise their economies.
China’s pledge to cooperate with African countries suggests a willingness to play a more active role in mitigating these impacts, potentially through trade, investment and financial support mechanisms.
However, details of specific measures were not immediately disclosed.
The remarks underscore how global conflicts are increasingly shaping economic and diplomatic dynamics far beyond their immediate regions, with Africa emerging as a key stakeholder in the broader response to geopolitical shocks.
