China has announced plans to grant zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, further deepening its trade and investment ties across the continent.

The offer excludes Eswatini, the only African country that recognizes Taiwan.

The announcement followed a high-level meeting in Changsha, Hunan province, between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African officials.

The talks took place as African nations face rising trade tensions with the United States.

In a joint statement, China and its African partners urged all countries, especially the U.S., to “return to the right track” of handling trade disputes through dialogue based on mutual respect.

The statement also condemned any attempts by nations to gain trade advantages “at the expense of the interests of other countries.”

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The remarks come in response to recent U.S. protectionist measures under former President Trump, which included steep tariffs on several African nations: 50% on imports from Lesotho, 47% from Madagascar, 40% from Mauritius, 38% from Botswana, and 31% from South Africa, the continent’s top industrial economy and leading U.S. trade partner.

China’s move is seen as both a diplomatic and economic strategy. With its domestic economy slowing, Beijing is expanding engagement with African markets, where it is already the largest lender and a key infrastructure partner.

The proposed zero-tariff access is expected to encourage more African exports to China and provide demand for Chinese state-owned enterprises facing reduced orders at home.

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