Xi Jinping outlined his peace principles during talks with Togo’s leader on October 13.
China’s president urges African-led peace efforts, respect for sovereignty and development planning during talks with Togo’s leader.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has outlined four principles for resolving African conflicts, placing African leadership at their centre. He also urged respect for sovereignty, an end to hostilities and action on insecurity’s underlying causes.
Xi presented the proposals during talks with Togo’s President of the Council of Ministers, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting took place during Gnassingbé’s official visit on October 13.
The remarks come amid continuing conflict and security challenges in Sudan, the Great Lakes region and the Horn of Africa. Regional and international peace efforts have sought ceasefires, dialogue and lasting political settlements in these areas.
Four principles for resolving African conflicts
First, Xi said African people and regional actors should lead decisions affecting the continent’s peace and security. Outside parties supporting conflict resolution should therefore respect Africa’s leadership in regional affairs.
His second principle focused on fairness and justice. He urged those involved in peace efforts to follow the United Nations Charter and respect national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Xi also called for an end to hostilities as his third principle. He argued that neither war nor unilateral sanctions could fundamentally settle disputes between countries.
Instead, he urged parties to pursue mutual respect, broad consultations and compromise. That approach included finding common ground even where differences remained.
Finally, Xi called for action on both immediate security threats and the deeper causes of conflict. He said efforts to restore security should go together with long-term development planning.
African leadership in peace efforts
Together, the principles emphasise political dialogue and African ownership of peace processes. They also link efforts to end fighting with measures addressing conditions that can sustain instability.
Gnassingbé endorsed the four principles during the meeting. He also said Togo was ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China to support multilateralism and developing countries’ interests.
The emphasis on African leadership reflects a theme in African Union and United Nations peace efforts. Both organisations have stressed African-led mediation, including in Sudan and the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
They have also emphasised coordinated action to address tensions in the Horn of Africa.
China and Togo plan closer cooperation
Alongside the security discussions, China and Togo announced plans to elevate their bilateral relationship. They described the planned partnership as a China-Togo community with a shared future in the new era.
Xi called for stronger political exchanges and deeper cooperation between the two countries. He also urged mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests.
On trade, Xi encouraged Togo to use China’s zero-tariff arrangements for African products. He also highlighted measures intended to help exports reach the Chinese market.
China expressed readiness to expand cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology and intelligent industries to support Togo’s industrialisation. Meanwhile, Gnassingbé welcomed China’s development experience and sought stronger ties in trade, infrastructure, science and technology.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attended the meeting.
