China's top diplomat kicked off the annual New Year tour of Africa on Sunday, continuing a 35-year tradition aimed at strengthening Beijing's influence across the resource-rich continent.

This comes as Europe's presence diminishes and America's attention fluctuates.

Amid global tensions—ranging from the conflict in Ukraine to political distractions in Germany and France—Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria underscores Beijing's steady commitment to Africa, analysts say.

Scheduled to last until Saturday, Wang's trip coincides with China's efforts to increase financial support for Africa, secure critical mineral supplies, and expand markets for its exports.

“The selection of countries rarely follows an external logic,” said Eric Orlander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project. “[But] in Africa, it serves as a reminder of China's unwavering commitment, contrasting with the sporadic engagement of the US, UK, and EU.”

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted the visit's purpose: to deepen cooperation and promote substantive growth in China-Africa relations.

As China's economy slows, Africa offers critical opportunities for Chinese state-owned infrastructure companies and serves as a key market for electric vehicles and solar panels—industries where China seeks to counterbalance US and EU competition.

China also sees Africa's 50-plus votes at the UN as pivotal for advancing its global agenda, particularly in reshaping multilateral institutions and global norms on sensitive issues like human rights. While US President Joe Biden has visited sub-Saharan Africa only once, China consistently places Africa at the forefront of its diplomatic calendar.

“China has become an essential partner for Africa, both as a collaborator and a model,” said Hannah Ryder, founder of Development Reimagined, an African-owned consultancy. Ryder noted that African Union (AU) candidates vying for leadership positions often emphasize China's success in boosting manufacturing and education.

Wang's stop in the Republic of Congo, which assumes co-chairmanship of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) this year, reaffirms Beijing's commitment to implementing the $51 billion pledged during last year’s FOCAC summit.

China is also increasingly engaging with regional security issues. Wang's visit to Chad comes amid France's withdrawal of troops from the country after the government ended a longstanding defense pact.

“China has become a reliable partner for new military regimes in the Sahel and West Africa,” Orlander observed. “While Western powers view China's growing presence as contentious, many African leaders see it as a stabilizing force.” Photo by Agencia de Noticias ANDES, Wikimedia commons.