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China's Foreign Minister Strengthens Africa Ties in New Year Tour

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a New Year Africa tour on January 7, visiting Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho to deepen diplomatic ties.
The trip marks Somalia’s first visit by a Chinese foreign minister since the 1980s, as Beijing seeks to strengthen ties after Israel recognized Somaliland.
In Tanzania, Chinese firms are refurbishing the Tazara Railway to access copper deposits and counter Western-backed trade routes.

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Story summary

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi began a New Year Africa tour on January 7, visiting Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho to deepen diplomatic ties.
The trip marks Somalia’s first visit by a Chinese foreign minister since the 1980s, as Beijing seeks to strengthen ties after Israel recognized Somaliland.
In Tanzania, Chinese firms are refurbishing the Tazara Railway to access copper deposits and counter Western-backed trade routes.