• Mozambique and China signed more than 20 cooperation agreements during President Daniel Chapo’s state visit to Beijing.
• Both countries upgraded relations to a “shared future community for the new era.”
• Bilateral trade reached $5.19 billion in 2024, with expanded duty-free access to China set for May 1.

President Daniel Chapo and Chinese President Xi Jinping oversaw the signing of more than twenty cooperation agreements aimed at deepening bilateral ties. China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) disclosed this information in a statement on Tuesday, April 21.

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The agreements cover multiple areas, including cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, the implementation of the Global Security Initiative, economic and trade exchanges, people-to-people exchanges, health, and media. Both sides concluded these agreements during President Chapo’s visit to Beijing from April 17 to April 22.

China and Mozambique agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a “China-Mozambique community with a shared future in the new era.” Xi Jinping stated that China stands ready to strengthen the alignment of its development strategies with Mozambique and to explore new cooperation models, particularly in infrastructure and the exploitation of energy and mineral resources. He also emphasized the importance of promoting emerging sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence.

President Daniel Chapo expressed Mozambique’s willingness to work with China on the basis of mutual respect and trust. He stated that Mozambique aims to consolidate solidarity and friendship while strengthening cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade, agriculture, and energy, thereby opening new chapters in bilateral relations.

The cooperation reflects a dual strategic objective. Beijing seeks to strengthen its strategic influence in Africa. Maputo seeks to secure large-scale investments, modern infrastructure, and privileged access to the Chinese market.

Diplomatic relations between the East African country and China evolved into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2016. Both countries intensified exchanges in recent years, as illustrated by reciprocal official visits, including the 2018 visit to Mozambique by Li Zhanshu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

On the Mozambican side, former President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi participated in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September 2024. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that bilateral trade reached $5.19 billion in 2024.

This visit also aligns with the continued implementation of FOCAC, which Beijing aims to accelerate. Starting May 1, China will grant 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing duty-free access to its market.

Lydie Mobio