The recent launch of the China-Africa Institute (part of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences) introduces an important structure within the framework of Sino-African relations, aimed at consolidating and promoting them to higher levels, with the ultimate goal of realizing the aspirations of the peoples of China and Africa.

We are at a very important historical juncture in multilateral diplomacy and change in the global configuration of power. And in a period of an unsettled global order, with powerful challenges affecting peace, stability and the development and the well-being of peoples around the world, countries have to combine synergies and efforts to counter these threats.

In doing so, there is a need to broaden the scope of government-to-government interactions and engagement, to include the peoples of the countries concerned and to identify new measures and strategies to address these malicious challenges.

It is therefore quite timely and fitting that China-Africa relations have embraced the institutionalization of people-to-people exchanges, to crystallize a practice that has been a reality throughout the history of our relations.

The history of these relations is one of solidarity, close collaboration and support for each other at many levels, aimed at addressing the concerns and aspirations of our peoples. Now we need to take these relations to new heights and I see the people-to-people exchanges as an important component of this process.

The China-Africa Institute is a valuable instrument and tool to illuminate the path we have to follow.

It is acknowledged that early relations between China and Africa were motivated by ideological imperatives in the global configuration of power, particularly in supporting the African countries in the fight against colonialism and exploitation.

Indeed, China supported African liberation movements, providing political, diplomatic and military support, including the training of combatants. But once the independence of Africa was achieved, the relations between China and Africa changed to embrace additional areas, notably socioeconomic development, trade and investment.

I understand that since 1997, around 40 African heads of state and government have visited China and that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing in October 2000 was the first collective dialogue between China and Africa.

Since then, regular meetings between China and Africa have taken place, resulting in greater cooperation, covering the areas of infrastructure - roads, bridges, ports, railways and power stations - as well as health, education, communications, agriculture and trade.

Within this framework, many Chinese technical experts are working in Africa, and sharing their expertise with Africans.

Furthermore, thousands of Africans were and continue to be educated and trained in China, in a wide range of areas, preparing them to lead and play a major role in the process of social and economic development of their continent, the same way that many of their ancestors were trained and equipped by China to fight and defeat colonialism.

However, in spite of this intensified cooperation, Africa still faces daunting challenges in bringing better living conditions to its people. Therefore, it is my hope and expectation that people-to-people exchanges are going to increase and expand further the benefits of this cooperation.

2018 marked a critical milestone in China-Africa relations, as leaders from almost all African nations attended the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Also, it was at the Forum that, besides the $60 billion pledged in development finance and aid to Africa, President Xi Jinping announced eight initiatives aimed at improving Sino-Africa relations, including investments in healthcare, education, security, cultural exchanges and increasing non-resource imports from Africa. All these are in line with the efforts to work toward a win-win trajectory for both parties.

Moreover, the implementation and expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative will benefit many African countries.

The establishment of the FOCAC and its summits are by themselves unequivocal signs of brotherhood, openness and win-win cooperation toward a shared future. And China, through the Belt and Road Initiative and the FOCAC is thus assisting Africa to become a stronger partner of China and strengthening Africa's capacity to be more relevant in global development, and in peace and security affairs.

These platforms will indeed take to another level the quest for strengthening and deepening China-Africa relationship in all fields.

However, we have to recognize that in the process of our cooperation, sometimes things may not go according to our common desire and aspirations.

This is normal, as the relations between China and Africa have been greatly expanding, involving more areas and more people from both sides. Therefore, the increasing dynamism and complexity of our relations mean that we should pay critical attention to the development of ties, so as to detect early possible errors, deviations or undesirable effects, and take timely corrective measures.

I view the China-Africa Institute as the institution that can undertake critically needed research, to identify specific areas where corrective action is needed, as well as indicate where enhanced action may be required.

The author is a former president of the Republic of Mozambique and chairman of the International Advisory Committee of the China-Africa Institute. 

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

All rights reserved. Copying or sharing of any content for other than personal use is prohibited without prior written permission.