On January 8, 2026, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the opening ceremony of the 2026 “China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges.”

Xi Jinping pointed out that holding the “Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges” on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa is an important consensus reached with African leaders. It is a significant measure to further deepen China-Africa friendship from a new historical starting point.

Xi Jinping emphasized that exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations are an inexhaustible driving force for the progress of human civilization and for world peace and development. For thousands of years, the two great civilizations of China and Africa have shone together, forming the historical and intellectual foundation of China-Africa friendship.

Xi Jinping expressed the hope that both sides would take the “Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges” as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen mutual learning between civilizations, enhance personnel exchanges—especially among the youth—deepen the sharing of governance experience, jointly advance modernization, and promote mutual understanding, emotional bonds, and unity between the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people. This will make new China-Africa contributions to the Global South’s solidarity in addressing global challenges, promoting the common values of humanity, and building a community with a shared future for mankind.

2026 “China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges”

The “2026 China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges” is not a physical site but a major diplomatic initiative announced in 2024 to deepen ties between China and African nations. It builds on a history of forums and cooperation plans, aiming to foster mutual understanding through expanded cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges. The year is designed to strengthen the people-centered partnership outlined in forums like FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation).

70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa

The “70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa” commemorates the founding of diplomatic ties between the People’s Republic of China and African nations, beginning with Egypt in 1956. This milestone celebrates a long history of partnership, marked by forums like FOCAC, and highlights ongoing cooperation in development, trade, and cultural exchange under frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

Global South

“Global South” is not a specific place or cultural site, but a socio-economic and political term for countries primarily located in Africa, Latin America, and Asia that have historically experienced colonialism and underdevelopment. It emerged in the late 20th century as an alternative to terms like “Third World,” emphasizing shared experiences of inequality within the global economic system. The concept highlights a collective identity and common challenges related to poverty, political marginalization, and calls for a more equitable international order.

community with a shared future for mankind

“Community with a shared future for mankind” is a Chinese political concept and vision for global governance, first formally articulated by China’s leadership in the early 2010s. It advocates for international cooperation, mutual benefit, and collective action to address global challenges, positioning itself as a proposed framework for a more equitable and peaceful world order.