China's new foreign minister Qin Gang embarks on Africa tour
Aid for Ethiopia expected as Beijing makes annual early-year visit to continent
BEIJING -- Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang kicked off a tour of five African nations on Monday, his first official trip overseas since being appointed to the post late last month.
Qin will visit Ethiopia, Gabon, Angola, Benin and Egypt, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters Monday. The trip lasts through Jan. 16 and will include a visit to the African Union headquarters.
Chinese foreign ministers have started the year with a visit to Africa for 33 consecutive years, Wang said.
"This shows how much China values its traditional friendship with Africa and the growth of China-Africa relations," he said.
Qin's African debut as foreign minister follows U.S. President Joe Biden hosting a summit in Washington last month that brought together leaders from 49 African nations.
The Biden administration said it will support including the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations. The U.S. also announced $2.5 billion in extra food assistance.
The U.S. has signaled concern about China and Russia taking the lead in African involvement.
Qin's first stop, Ethiopia, is the home nation of Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization. Tedros served a stint as the country's foreign minister as well.
The WHO has expressed concerns about how Beijing handled recent public disclosures of data regarding COVID-19 infections and deaths. China's Foreign Ministry has rejected claims that the country is undercounting the impact of COVID.
China has been engaged in vaccine diplomacy with Ethiopia. The two sides are expected to announce economic support from China as an outcome of Qin's visit.
Qin also will visit Angola, one of the largest producers of oil in Africa.