China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun his annual New Year diplomatic tour of Africa, visiting Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho as Beijing moves to reinforce its political, economic and security engagement across the continent. According to Reuters, the itinerary reflects China’s focus on countries that are strategically important for regional stability, trade routes and long term economic cooperation.
The visit to Somalia is particularly notable, marking the first trip by a Chinese foreign minister to the country in decades. As reported by marketscreener, the move signals Beijing’s intention to strengthen diplomatic relations with Mogadishu at a time when the Horn of Africa remains critical to global shipping lanes near the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, routes that are vital for trade between Asia and Europe.
In Tanzania, Wang Yi is expected to advance discussions around infrastructure and resource development, building on China’s long standing role in upgrading the Tazara Railway, which links Tanzania to Zambia. Reuters reports that the railway remains a strategic asset for transporting copper and other minerals, reinforcing China’s broader push to secure supply chains while supporting regional connectivity.
The tour will also take in Ethiopia and Lesotho, underscoring China’s emphasis on multilateral engagement and trade with African economies of varying sizes. According to Reuters, the trip follows China’s renewed commitment to expand zero tariff access for least developed countries, a pledge aimed at boosting African exports to the Chinese market while deepening diplomatic influence across the continent.
