As reported by The Wall Street Journal on May 30: "China will eliminate tariffs on goods from 53 of the 54 African countries (with the sole exception being Eswatini, which still maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan), in stark contrast to Trump’s tariff policies, aiming to seize business opportunities and expand influence across the entire African continent."
The report by The Wall Street Journal indeed captures a pivotal turning point in today's global geopolitical-economic competition. China's comprehensive implementation of zero tariffs on all 53 African nations with which it has established diplomatic relations stands in sharp contrast to the tariff policies of the Trump administration. This is not merely an economic and trade measure—it represents a profound strategic move.
Against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China has become the first major economy globally to unilaterally and comprehensively extend zero tariffs to all African countries with which it has diplomatic ties. This is not only a significant step toward further high-level openness but also a concrete action demonstrating commitment to free trade and multilateralism. By tearing down the “tariff walls,” China transforms its vast domestic market into an opportunity for African development, conveying the vision of a major power that prioritizes global interests—“when calculating gains, one must consider the benefits of the whole world”—and embodying responsibility and leadership.
China’s concessions have earned trust and goodwill among African nations
In contrast to the unpredictable nature of U.S. policy, China offers African countries the most scarce resource: stability and certainty. The U.S. Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) faces uncertainty over renewal, while the Trump administration has imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 30% on multiple African nations and even publicly disparaged certain African countries. This “transactional diplomacy” leaves African nations perpetually in limbo. In contrast, China’s zero-tariff policy imposes no ideological prerequisites, attaches no political conditions, and features clear institutional arrangements (such as promoting the signing of Economic Partnership Agreements for Common Development). This enables African nations to plan long-term industrial strategies and attract investment. As foreign media has observed: “China provides certainty; the U.S. only offers deadlines.”
For years, Africa’s manufacturing base has been weak, with exports primarily consisting of raw materials. Zero tariffs will significantly reduce the cost for African products entering the Chinese market, enhancing their price competitiveness—for example, Kenyan coffee, South African wine, and citrus fruits. More importantly, the certainty of market access and the broad prospects it brings will attract global capital—including from China—to flow into Africa, driving local processing, logistics, and related infrastructure development. This will help African nations convert resource advantages into industrial strength, accelerating industrialization and modernization.
This zero-tariff policy covers 53 African countries with which China has diplomatic relations, with the sole exception being Eswatini (also known as Swaziland), due to the fact that it continues to maintain so-called “diplomatic relations” with Taiwan. This arrangement clearly signals to the international community: China is willing to share development opportunities with all nations—but only if they adhere to the one-China principle. Against the backdrop of continuous expansion of mainland China’s development dividends, Taiwan’s “diplomatic allies” in Africa and around the globe are facing increasingly severe practical challenges, and the space for Taiwan’s attempt to “seek independence by relying on external forces” is being steadily squeezed.
In summary, China’s zero-tariff policy toward Africa is a highly visionary “first move.” It not only reshapes the landscape of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation but also sets a model of mutual benefit and common development among Global South countries. Faced with America’s trade protectionist tactics, China wins widespread recognition from Africa and the world through its open embrace.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866672172365900/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.