On March 8, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress held a press conference on foreign policy, during which China announced that it will fully implement zero tariffs on 100% of taxable items from Africa starting May 1.

   100% Zero Tariffs from May   

       The Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress held a press conference at the Media Center's press conference hall at 10:00 AM on March 8. Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi was invited to answer questions from Chinese and foreign journalists on issues related to "China's foreign policy and external relations."

       In response to relevant questions, Wang Yi stated that China will fully implement zero tariffs on 100% of taxable items from Africa starting May 1. Driven by China's high-level opening up, we will use tariff "subtraction" to promote trade "addition" and achieve public welfare "multiplication," allowing China's vast market to provide greater opportunities for Africa.

       On the same day, the Fourth Session of the 14th National People's Congress invited Wang Yi to answer questions from Chinese and foreign journalists on issues related to "China's foreign policy and external relations." A journalist asked that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa and is also the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. In this special year, what new developments and highlights can be expected in China-Africa relations?

       Wang Yi stated that over the past 70 years, China-Africa friendship has withstood the tests of international changes and demonstrated strong vitality. The practice of the Chinese Foreign Minister's first overseas visit each year being to Africa has been upheld for 36 years, consistently and unwaveringly, and has become a spirit and a conviction of Chinese diplomacy.

   New Developments for China-Africa Relations   

       Wang Yi pointed out that this year, China-Africa relations will see a series of new developments, suggesting three aspects worthy of attention.

       First, the building of the China-Africa community with a shared future will take new steps. China will receive leaders from several African countries in 2026, strengthening mutual support as all-weather partners and writing new stories of shared destiny. Second, China will fully implement zero tariffs on 100% of taxable items from Africa starting May 1. Third, the "China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges" has already commenced, with nearly 600 vibrant exchange activities planned throughout the year.

       Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated at the press conference that the collective rise of the Global South is a distinct symbol of the great transformation in the world. Over the past four decades, the share of the Global South's economy in the global total has risen from 24% to over 40%, becoming a key driving force in the process of world multipolarization.

       China always has the Global South in its heart and takes root in the Global South. It stands ready to join hands with other countries of the South on the path to modernization and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.