BEIJING September 08. 2024 (Saba) - China continues to cement its position as a major power in Africa, with President Xi Jinping pledging $50 billion in financial support over the next three years to strengthen diplomatic and military ties with the continent.
The announcement came during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, where dozens of African leaders met with Xi to discuss their countries' development needs.
The latest participation demonstrates Beijing's long-standing commitment to Africa, where Xi has visited the continent five times since taking office.
This level of engagement contrasts sharply with the United States, as neither President Joe Biden nor former President Donald Trump made official visits to Africa during their terms.
Many African leaders visiting Washington do not meet with the U.S. president, a fact noted by Paul Nantolia, an associate fellow at the U.S.-funded Center for African Strategic Studies: "The United States really needs to improve its performance."
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