BEIJING (Jan 7): China's top diplomat began his annual New Year tour of Africa on Wednesday, with a focus on the strategically important east, as the world's No.2 economy seeks to reinforce its influence on the continent. Foreign Minister Wang Yi will travel to Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho on this year's trip. Further south, Tanzania is central to Beijing's push to secure access to Africa's vast copper deposits. Li Qiang made a landmark trip to Zambia in November, the first visit by a Chinese premier in 28 years. By visiting the southern African kingdom of Lesotho, Wang aims to highlight Beijing's push to position itself as a champion of free trade.

Source: The Edge Markets January 07, 2026 04:47 UTC