How China is stepping up Africa charm offensive to boost cultural ties, deepen influence

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Jevans NyabiageJanuary 18, 2026 at 01:00 PM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

China is launching the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a continent-wide initiative aimed at strengthening cultural ties and deepening its influence in Africa. Announced by Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the African Union headquarters in January, the program shifts from traditional state-led diplomacy to a grassroots approach. Beijing plans nearly 600 activities across five pillars: youth innovation, cultural festivals, livelihood projects, intellectual exchange, and talent development. These activities, including study trips and AI competitions, intend to forge direct social and cultural links between Chinese and African citizens. President Xi Jinping hopes the initiative will strengthen friendship and advance modernization.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ethiopia ×240% Mahmoud Ali Youssouf 40% Addis Ababa ×250% Xi Jinping 50% 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges 60% Beijing 60% African Union ×260% Wang Yi ×370% Africa ×890% China ×890%

Keywords

china-africa relations 100% soft power 90% cultural diplomacy 80% people-to-people exchanges 70% africa 60% china 60% influence 50% youth innovation 40% artificial intelligence 40%