Full Breakdown
Xi Jinping Calls for African Control Over Mineral Resources in Beijing Talks
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Four-Point Framework for Africa’s Mining Cooperation
During a high-level meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping presented a four-point plan to strengthen African ownership of mineral resources, promote local processing, and support African-led conflict solutions. The framework was delivered to Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko and, in a separate session, to Togo President of the Council of Ministers Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé. Xi stressed that any China-Africa mining partnership must begin with the principle that “African resources belong to Africa” and warned against using mineral wealth as a geopolitical tool. The proposals call for ensuring African benefit, (2) fostering cooperation through green-technology transfer and South-South collaboration, (3) shifting toward industrial value addition and sustainable financing, and creating a fair, open environment free from competition.
Background & Context
China’s state-owned and private firms are major participants in Africa’s mining sector, extracting cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earths. The continent holds roughly 30 percent of the world’s critical mineral reserves, making it a focus of competition among the United States, Europe and China. Xi’s remarks echo longstanding Chinese support for African development, recalling Botswana’s 1970s vote to restore China’s UN seat and the recent upgrade of China-Botswana ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in September 2024.
Key Figures & Groups
- Xi Jinping – President of China, advocate of the four-point framework.
- Duma Gideon Boko – President of Botswana, on a six-day state visit, the first since taking office in November 2024.
- Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé – President of the Council of Ministers of Togo, participant in the conflict-resolution portion.
- Chinese state-owned and private mining enterprises – primary actors in Africa’s extraction industry.
Data & Statistics
- African nations collectively hold about 30 percent of global critical mineral reserves (UN).
- Bilateral trade between China and Botswana reached $1.22 billion in 2025, a 21.3 percent year-on-year increase (Chinese Foreign Ministry).
Official Statements & Responses
Xi asserted that cooperation must be grounded in “fairness and mutual benefit,” urging Chinese companies to improve operational capabilities, transfer green technologies suited to African conditions, and explore affordable financing models. He also called for greater value addition within China-Africa mining projects and a “fair and open environment” that prevents mineral resources from being weaponized.
President Boko praised China’s development achievements under Xi, noting that China’s experience offers lessons for Botswana. He reaffirmed adherence to the one-China principle, opposition to “Taiwan independence,” and readiness to expand Belt and Road cooperation across industry, agriculture, mining, innovation and digital transformation. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China welcomes support for Africa’s development and will improve conditions for business investment, including zero-tariff treatment for African countries with diplomatic ties.
What’s Next
The meeting concluded with the signing of cooperation documents covering mining, green technology, health and human resources. No specific milestones or deadlines were disclosed, leaving the rollout schedule of the four-point plan open to further announcement.