AU Reaffirms One China Policy Amid Wang Yi Visit
The African Union (AU) reinforced its commitment to the longstanding “One China” policy during a high-profile visit by China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, to the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday. The reaffirmation comes as Wang embarked on a broader tour of East Africa, signaling Beijing’s continued emphasis on close diplomatic ties with African partners amid evolving regional dynamics.
During the meeting with AU officials, Wang underscored China’s stance that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. The AU’s reaffirmation aligns with the statements frequently issued by Beijing, which insists that any moves toward Taiwan’s formal independence run counter to the “One China” principle that Beijing holds as a cornerstone of Sino-African relations.
Analysts say the AU’s position is a practical reflection of its broader foreign policy priorities: maintaining stable, predictable relationships with major powers and preserving regional unity on sensitive international issues. The AU has for years balanced engagements with China—its largest trading partner and a critical source of development finance and infrastructure—with the broader global belief in peaceful, negotiated approaches to cross-strait issues.
Why Africa Keeps the One China Policy in Focus
China’s relationship with Africa has evolved into a key element of many African economies’ growth strategies. Through investments in infrastructure, energy projects, and manufacturing hubs, Beijing has cultivated a network of economic partnerships across the continent. The AU’s reiteration of the One China policy during Wang Yi’s visit signals a preference for stable, long-term partnerships that rely on clear policy stances from major global players.
Observers note that Africa’s stance on Taiwan-related matters is shaped by a mix of diplomatic pragmatism and economic considerations. While some African nations have had formal or informal ties with Taiwan in the past, most have shifted focus to the opportunities provided through engagement with the People’s Republic of China. The AU’s position is often seen as reflective of a continental-wide approach rather than the stance of any single member state, aiming to maintain unity in regional and international forums.
What This Means for Africa-China Relations
The reaffirmation of the One China policy is not only a statement about a single issue but also a signal about the direction of Africa-China relations. For African nations seeking infrastructure funding, trade avenues, and technology transfer, the prospect of continued cooperation with China remains a central priority. At the same time, the AU’s message underscores the importance of engaging with Beijing within the framework of commonly accepted international norms, including peaceful resolution of cross-strait differences and adherence to international law.
Wang Yi’s itinerary, which included stops in several East African capitals, reflects China’s strategy to deepen regional influence through diplomacy, trade, and development projects. In Addis Ababa, the AU’s leadership reaffirmed its alignment with Beijing on the One China policy, a stance likely to reassure Chinese partners while inviting continued dialogue with Africa on a broad range of issues—from security to economic reform.
Implications for Taiwan-Africa Interactions
The official stance by the AU reduces the likelihood of formal recognition of Taiwan by the union as a bloc, though unofficial and cultural exchanges with Taiwan may still occur at national or municipal levels. Taiwan’s representatives have long sought to expand their ties with African nations through development aid and people-to-people exchanges; however, the prevailing regional consensus remains aligned with China on sovereignty matters.
As Wang Yi completes his East Africa tour, stakeholders across Africa and beyond will watch how the diplomatic posture evolves, particularly as global interest in regional security, trade diversification, and investment shifts in response to geopolitical changes. For now, the AU’s reaffirmation of the One China policy reinforces a shared framework that prioritizes stable, predictable partnerships with major powers while seeking to maximize the benefits of such cooperation for African development.
