Declaration of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Source:　2015-12-25

1. We, the Heads of State, Government and Delegations of the People's Republic of China and 50 African countries (listed in the schedule annexed hereto), and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, convened in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 4th and 5th of December 2015 for the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) under the theme "China-Africa Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development", to consolidate solidarity and cooperation among the peoples of China and Africa.

2. Coming together as Africa, with a population of 1.1 billion people, and China, with 1.3 billion people, we are committed to ushering in a new blueprint to realize opportunities for future mutual development, and to contribute to promoting world peace, stability and the development of Africa and China.

3. Both African countries and China are developing countries facing common challenges of development and sharing broad common interests in a world that is undergoing and will continue to undergo profound and complex changes. Therefore, it is incumbent on us to continue to strengthen the current platform for collective dialogue, consolidate Africa-China traditional friendship, deepen strategic collaboration and enhance the mechanism of practical cooperation between China and Africa. Both sides agree to upgrade the new type of strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership and promote a comprehensive upgrading of the China-Africa friendly and mutually beneficial cooperation.

4. We are pleased to observe that FOCAC has achieved mutually beneficial results during the past 15 years since its establishment. We highly commend the major follow-up actions initiated and implemented by the Beijing Summit and the Ministerial Conferences of FOCAC in this regard.

5. China-Africa cooperation has been constantly enriched, covering broader areas with more diversified participants and FOCAC has become a resounding brand for China-Africa solidarity and cooperation, and a model for leading international cooperation in Africa. In this regard, we further welcome with appreciation the efforts that FOCAC has made to deepen structured ties with regional bodies such as the African Union and its structures, Regional Economic Communities and the African Development Bank.

6. We believe that China-Africa relations promote the common interests of both our peoples and continue the trend of prosperous growth evident over the last 15 years.

7. With the United Nations (UN) marking its 70th anniversary, we believe that to safeguard the results of the world victory in the World War II , international equity and justice is vital to maintaining world peace, stability and prosperity. We express our commitment to resolutely reject any attempts to misrepresent the results of World War II. While remembering the scourge of wars, we highlight that it is our common duty to build a future of peace and development.

8. We believe that, with the development of a world characterised by inter-dependence and connectivity under globalisation, and diversification at various levels, the interests of countries have become inextricably linked, with a growing sense of common destiny.

9. We underscore upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter of the UN, as well as its authority as the leading institution in international affairs. We are committed to strengthening cooperation, coordination and support between the two sides in international organizations and multilateral mechanisms on regional and international issues of common interest, jointly advancing democracy and the rule of law in international relations, advocating for an equitable and just international order, in order to build a harmonious world of durable peace and common prosperity.

10. We believe that in the midst of complex and profound global changes, more needs to be done to ensure an international system of governance that is just, equitable, representative and better suited to the political realities of the world in order to maintain peace, stability and prosperity.

11. Therefore, we are committed to the principles of multilateralism, while opposing interference in the internal affairs of countries and the use or threat of force in international affairs. In this regard, we stand for the establishment of a just international order with win-win cooperation at its core to promote a more equitable, fair and reasonable development and to safeguard and enhance the legitimate rights and interests of the developing countries.

12. We stand for upholding the UN's core position and role in international affairs, and reaffirm the need for reform of the UN. In this regard, we reaffirm that the historical injustices endured by African countries should be undone, and priority should be given to increasing the representation of African countries in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and other agencies.

13. We furthermore underscore the significance of Africa as an important, strong, resilient and influential global player and partner, through being an active and equal participant in global affairs. In this regard, we recognise the critical role of the African Union in conflict resolution, prevention and management and commend the efforts of African countries, the African Union and Regional Economic Communities to independently resolve regional conflicts and maintain regional peace and stability. We emphasize the significance of cooperation between the UN and the AU in accordance with Chapter 8 of the UN Charter and particularly UNSC Resolutions 1809 and 2033. We reiterate that crises and disputes must be resolved peacefully through political means and advocate the doctrine of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security.

14. We welcome the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a universal, transformative and integrated development plan. It remains important for the developed countries to honor commitments made in respect of the 2030 Agenda, in particular those relating to Goal 17, as well as continuing to meet their current commitments to ensure the full implementation of the Agenda.

15. In this regard, we also call on the international community to pay greater attention to the issues of development, show political sincerity and give priority to supporting the resolution of difficulties and challenges faced by developing countries, especially the least developed countries in Africa to independently achieve sustainable development. We urge developed countries to honor their commitments to provide aid to developing countries, African countries in particular, as we believe that the North-South imbalance in development is an important factor hindering the strong recovery and sustained growth of the world economy.

16. We support strengthened South-South cooperation and are convinced that China-Africa cooperation is a model manifestation of this. In this regard, China is committed to supporting Africa's efforts to implement Agenda 2063, its First 10-Year Implementation Plan and NEPAD and believes that they are essential to Africa's pursuit of peace, stability, integration, growth and development.

17. We oppose trade protectionism in all its forms and are in favour of advancing the World Trade Organization(WTO) Doha Development Round negotiations and safeguarding and developing an open world economy. We further welcome the first hosting of the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference in Africa, taking place from 15 to 18 December 2015 in Nairobi, Kenya, and stress the importance of a successful meeting in Nairobi that brings tangible results and meaningful outcomes on the developmental agenda for Developing and Least Developed Countries.

18. We stand for necessary reform of the existing international financial system, and the establishment of a fair, just, inclusive and orderly international financial system. Efforts should be made to truly increase the voice and representation of developing countries particularly China and African countries in the international financial institutions and the international monetary system, and strengthen the mandate of the international financial institutions in development and poverty eradication, in an effort to narrow the North-South gap. In this regard, we welcome the establishment of the BRICS New Development Bank, with its headquarters in Shanghai and the African Regional Centre in South Africa, with a focus on supporting development in Africa, in particular on infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

19. We will, in keeping with the principles of equity and "common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities", support the 21st Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to adopt a protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force under the Convention, which provides an effective solution to the global response to climate change with means of implementation required by developing countries. We further affirm the importance of addressing mitigation and adaptation in a balanced manner. Adaptation is equally a global responsibility. We further affirm that fulfilling the ultimate objective of the Convention will require strengthening the multilateral, rules-based regime and the urgent and sustained implementation of existing commitments under the Convention, including the entry into force of the Doha Amendment on the 2nd Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol. We acknowledge that climate change is exacerbating existing challenges in Africa and is placing additional burdens on national budgets and efforts of African States to achieve sustainable development. In this regard, the African side recognizes China's initiative in capitalising the China South-South Cooperation Fund to support African Countries combat climate change, drought and desertification.

20. We are committed to the path of peaceful development and its contribution to world peace, stability and economic growth, and are of the view that China's economic restructuring and progress will help Africa advance its own industrialization and modernization processes.

21. The African side acknowledges and appreciates the leading efforts and contribution made by China as the first responder to deliver Ebola Virus Disease emergency support to the affected countries.

22. We reaffirm our commitment to the One China policy. Both sides will continue to support each other's efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and to promote the causes of national reunification and regional integration respectively.

23. We support Africa's effective endeavours to safeguard and maintain regional peace and stability, aimed at achieving higher economic growth rates and promoting integration and self-reliance. China believes that Africa is a significant force of politics, economy and culture in the world.

24. We believe that China and Africa's development strategies, are complementary and characterised by mutual benefit, equality, openness, inclusiveness, accountability, and that they demonstrate the possibilities and opportunities of solidarity, mutual support and respect among the developing countries. Therefore, both sides shall explore and fully utilize their comparative strengths to promote and further improve this mutually beneficial cooperation.

25. We solemnly declare that, adhering to the principles of sincerity, practical results, affinity and good faith and the values of friendship, justice and shared interests, both China and Africa are committed to building and developing comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic cooperation for win-win results, exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and African civilizations, mutual assistance in security affairs and solidarity and cooperation in international affairs. To this end, we will:

25.1 Remain committed to treating each other as equals and enhancing solidarity and mutual trust. Increase, improve and strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the governments of the two sides at all levels; Respect each other's core interests, accommodate each other's legitimate concerns and aspirations, cement consensus on key strategies; Promote exchanges and cooperation in the judicial, law enforcement and legislative fields; Strengthen China's cooperation with the African countries, the African Union and its structures, the Regional Economic Communities and the African Development Bank to advance the regional integration agenda, to safeguard peace and stability in Africa and to promote the socio-economic development of Africa.

25.2 Adhere to the principle of upholding justice and promoting common interests and common development. Actively pursue cooperation between our industries and develop industrial capacity, and jointly promote the process of industrialization and agricultural modernization in Africa; Focus on strengthening cooperation in infrastructure projects including, but not limited to, railways, highways, regional aviation, power, water supply, information and communication, airport and ports, as well as human resource development cooperation and capacity building; Give priority to promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture and food security, processing and manufacturing, energy resources, maritime economy, tourism, investment, trade, finance, technology transfer and other fields. We underscore the importance of intensifying cooperation in projects related to beneficiation at source, while enhancing technical and intellectual capacities; Enhance collaboration in the development of industrial production capabilities and value addition by establishing industrial parks and clusters, technology parks, special economic zones (SEZs) and engineering centers providing training for engineering and technical personnel and managers; Actively explore the linkages between China's initiatives of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and Africa's economic integration and sustainable development agenda, and seek more opportunities to promote common development and realize our common dreams.

25.3 Promote mutual learning and seek harmonious progress through mutual efforts. Share experience for development, deepen cooperation in various fields such as development assistance, medical care and public health, education, poverty eradication, science and technology and knowledge sharing, and ecological and environmental protection; Recognize the importance of developing technology and innovation in advancing the economic growth of African countries in areas such as the mining and extractive industry, pharmaceuticals, information technology, and chemicals and petrochemicals, both in the area of exploration and extraction of natural resources and in their processing; Strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two parties and, in particular, enhance exchanges in culture and art, education, sports, tourism, press and media, and between academia, think tanks, the youth, women, trade unions and persons with disabilities, with a view to deepening the understanding and friendship between the peoples of China and Africa.

25.4 Continue to support each other on security matters and maintain peace and security. We remain committed to seeking the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and consultation, and China supports Africa in its efforts to solve African problems through African solutions; Implement the "Initiative on China-Africa Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Security", support the building of the collective security mechanism in Africa, and jointly manage non-traditional security issues and global challenges such as, but not limited to, food security, energy security, cyber security, climate change, biodiversity conservation, major communicable diseases and transnational crimes. We firmly condemn terrorism in all its forms and we commit to combining our efforts in a coordinated and more efficient way to fight against this scourge which constitutes a global threat for humanity and its values of peace and tolerance.

25.5 Unswervingly coordinate and cooperate with each other and safeguard our common interests. In the United Nations, international financial institutions and other multilateral organizations, we will strengthen coordination and cooperation on regional and international issues of common interests, and firmly safeguard the common interests of China, Africa and other developing countries. African countries support China's hosting of the G20 Summit in 2016 and laud China's commitment to promote further cooperation between the G20 and African countries. In this regard, we appreciate and welcome the international community, especially developed countries, making active efforts and contributing to the peace, development and prosperity of Africa.

26. We welcome the outcomes of the 2nd Ministerial Forum of China-Africa Health Development and the 5th China-Africa Business Forum held in South Africa at various times over the last three months.

27. We commend the Ministers participating in the 6th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation for their dedicated efforts and outstanding work. In this regard, we have, in the spirit of this Declaration, adopted the Johannesburg Action Plan (2016-2018) of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. We commit ourselves to implementing the Johannesburg Action Plan and will work to ensure its successful implementation.

28. We express our profound gratitude to H.E. President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma of the Republic of South Africa, and H.E. President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China, for co-chairing the 2015 Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

29. We further express our profound gratitude to the Government and the People of the Republic of South Africa for their kind hospitality and excellent facilities for the duration of the 2015 Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

30. The 7th Ministerial Conference of FOCAC will be held in the People's Republic of China in 2018.


List of African countries







Cabo Verde


Central African Republic 





Cote d'Ivoire



Equatorial Guinea






Guinea Bissau


















Sierra Leone


South Africa

South Sudan













