Italy has announced its formal withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative after joining the China-centered infrastructure and investment project in 2019.
The timing of the announcement that Rome won’t renew its BRI commitment is notable. It came only a day before the EU-China summit, which kicks off on Thursday. The summit will likely be more contentious than usual, with European leaders expected to push China on the treatment of EU firms amid discussions ...
Day: January 11, 2021
Wang Yi Wrapped Up Africa Tour With a Quick Stopover in The Seychelles Before Heading Back to Asia
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up his annual tour to Africa on Saturday with a quick stopover in the Indian Ocean island state of Seychelles, before heading back to Asia. During his half-day visit to Victoria, Wang met with Foreign Minister Sylvestre Radegonde and later with ...
President Magufuli Thanked Wang For Not Wearing a Mask During His Visit to Tanzania
COVID-19 mask politics found its way into Chinese FM Wang Yi's recent visit to Tanzania when President John Magafuli thanked Wang for not wearing a mask to showcase the fact that the pandemic is purportedly under control there. Wang appeared to ...
Wang Yi Unveiled a 7-Point Policy Framework That Will Guide Chinese Engagement in Africa This Year
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveiled a list of seven "priorities" that he said will guide Chinese engagement in Africa in 2021. Wang made the announcement during a press conference on Friday in Chato with his Tanzanian counterpart Palamagamba Kabudi.
China’s Foreign Aid Policy Gets a Big Upgrade
China is upgrading the role of foreign aid and international development in its policymaking according to a new white paper published by the country's immensely powerful cabinet, known as the State Council. The State Council Information Office released ...
China’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Gains Momentum in Many Developing Regions
There's been a flurry of activity on the Chinese vaccine distribution front. Over the weekend, a growing number of countries across the Global South are taking delivery of Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines even before they completed clinical trials or received WHO pre-qualification. ...
Analysis from Cobus van Staden
Awkward Timing as Italy Withdraws from BRI
Wang Yi Gets To Enjoy the Luxury of Staying on Message
Wang Yi is on the road again after his week-long visit to Africa wrapped up on Saturday in The Seychelles. The Chinese foreign minister flew back to Beijing from the tiny island state in the Indian Ocean, only to embark the next day on yet another week-long ...