Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Episode 9: Challenges of Face-to-Face Presidential Summits in the Context of the “Small but Beautiful Initiative”

In the first week of September next year, the People’s Republic of China will host the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCSA), abbreviated in English as FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation).

Established in 2000 and held every three years, FOCAC is the formalization of multilateralism that has been favored by the Chinese people in their relations with African countries since 1949. From September 3 to 8, 2024, President Xi Jinping will welcome African leaders to FOCAC, which has a context and issues that make it special.

Concerns and hopes for FOCAC 2024
Unless Mpox develops worrisome circumstances between now and then, the upcoming meeting in Beijing will be warm, in stark contrast to the distance caused by COVID 19 in Dakar, Senegal 3 years ago. This warmth will still be tempered by the various changes and concerns on both sides.

The controversial “Small but Beautiful” initiative as a gift for the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative
Last year, the Belt and Road Initiative was launched for ten years. As we know, the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in Kazakhstan on September 7, 2013, aims to achieve connectivity between Eurasia, Africa and even Latin America through major infrastructure projects.