The China - Africa Summits 2000-2012

In 2000 China recorded a remarkable economic growth thanks to its industrial progress. This situation repositioned it in relation to other powers on the international scene. In order to keep this pace it turned to Africa in search of raw materials which led to the institutionalization of its relations with the continent through the establishment of China-Africa Summits (FOCAC) a triennial meeting to consolidate their cooperation. The first meetings began timidly and then took a decisive turn in 2006 with the organization of the third summit with the development of the white paper. This document defines and guides the Chinese objectives for the continent. The 2009 and 2012 summits announced the supremacy of China on African markets with a trade volume that continues to grow. The declarations at the end of the various meetings are based on the principles of mutual gains hence a win-win partnership.