China says ready to work with African countries to address Iran war fallout
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- Xi Jinping offers support to African nations facing economic fallout linked to regional conflict and trade disruption.
- Diplomatic tensions rise as Taiwan alleges Chinese pressure over African airspace access.
China is ready to help African nations to respond to the economic turmoil sparked by the US and 'Israel’s' war with Iran, Chinese leader Xi Jinping said as he hosted Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo.
Chapo’s visit to Beijing marks the first by an African leader since the beginning of the Iran war, and as Xi hosts back-to-back meetings with foreign leaders ahead of US President Donald Trump’s visit, expected in May.
The meeting came as Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te hit out at China, saying he had to cancel a trip to the African nation of Eswatini because several nearby countries were “revoking overflight clearance under pressure from China.”
African countries, which rely heavily on imports of fuel, food, and fertilizer, are especially vulnerable to the global economic shocks resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Global South, represented by China and Africa, has consistently been a force for justice in a world marked by turmoil and upheaval,” Xi said in the Tuesday meeting with Chapo.
Xi acknowledged the spillover effects of the Iran war on African countries and pledged China is “willing to work hand in hand with African nations to address these challenges, promote peace, and pursue development together.”
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Beijing announced in February that it would roll out a zero-tariff scheme for all imports from 53 African countries, effective on May 1, in a move to expand trade ties.
The only African country to be excluded from that measure was Eswatini, a landlocked nation that maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan and not China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to take it one day, by force if necessary.
On Tuesday Taiwan said the overseas trip by Lai was cancelled as Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius withdraw their approval for Lai’s flight to travel through their air space.
Taipei said the move was due to “strong pressure from Chinese authorities, including economic coercion.”
On Wednesday a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office expressed appreciation for the position and “practice” of those countries in adhering to the one-China principle.
