CHINA-SA YOUTH FEDERATION’S RESPONSE TO PRESIDENT XI JINPING’S CONGRATS MESSAGE ON AU SUMMIT

The China South Africa Youth Federation warmly welcomes and highly commends the congratulatory message delivered by His Excellency President Xi Jinping to the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union. 

President Xi’s message to His Excellency João Lourenço, Chairperson of the African Union and President of the Republic of Angola, and His Excellency Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reflects China’s principled and consistent support for Africa’s unity, integration, peace, and sustainable development. It affirms a shared conviction that the dignity and progress of the Global South must be defended and advanced through solidarity, cooperation, and a fairer international order that respects sovereignty, promotes development, and safeguards multilateralism. 

We particularly welcome the announcement of comprehensive zero tariff treatment for 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China, alongside further measures to expand market access for African exports. These are practical, high impact steps that speak directly to the priorities of African development and industrialisation. They strengthen pathways for value addition, manufacturing growth, and deeper participation in global trade. For young people across the continent, they signal expanded opportunities for decent work, enterprise development, innovation, and cross border partnerships that turn potential into tangible livelihoods. 

The enduring friendship between China and Africa, forged through decades of shared struggle and sustained by mutual respect, stands as a powerful example of sincere partnership on the basis of equality and non interference. President Xi’s vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, and strengthening an all-weather China Africa community with a shared future for the new era, resonates deeply with the aspirations of young people who seek a world defined not by domination, but by cooperation, justice, and shared prosperity.

As a platform dedicated to youth dialogue, skills development, innovation cooperation, and cultural understanding, the China South Africa Youth Federation reaffirms its commitment to strengthening people-to-people bonds and delivering practical cooperation that benefits communities. We will continue to mobilise young leaders, entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and social innovators to deepen China Africa cooperation, advance inclusive modernisation, and contribute to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the shared development priorities of our partners. 

We extend our best wishes for the complete success of the 39th African Union Summit and for the continued flourishing of China Africa friendship, solidarity, and shared development. 

Michael Andisile Mayalo,

General Secretary: China South Africa Youth Federation 

For media enquiries: Khulekani Skosana, Spokesperson: China South Africa Youth Federation