BEIJING: Beijing’s scrapping of tariffs for all but one African country will start May 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday, according to state media.
China already has a zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African countries, but Beijing said last year it would extend the policy to all 53 of its diplomatic partners on the continent.
China is Africa’s largest trading partner and a key backer of major infrastructure projects in the region through its vast “Belt and Road” initiative.
From May 1, zero levies will apply to all African countries except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China claims the democratic island as its own and does not rule out using force to take it.
Many African countries are increasingly looking to China and other trading partners since US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs worldwide last year.
Xi said the zero-tariff deal “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” announcing the date as leaders across the continent gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit.
China to scrap tariffs for most of Africa from May: Xi
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China to scrap tariffs for most of Africa from May: Xi
- From May 1, zero levies will apply to all African countries except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan
Jordan’s king, UK’s PM discuss Gaza, regional stability
- King Abdullah urges support for Syria’s efforts to protect its security, stability, sovereignty
- King also meets UK’s chief of defense staff during London visit
LONDON: The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer met King Abdullah II of Jordan to discuss ways to support regional stability in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, Downing Street said on Tuesday.
The meeting was also attended by Crown Prince Hussein and focused on the continuing need to advocate for increased access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
It also aimed at supporting reforms within the Palestinian Authority to facilitate the ceasefire and help implement the US-led peace plan.
The parties praised the strong relationship between the UK and Jordan, especially in defense cooperation.
The king reaffirmed Jordan’s opposition to Israeli actions aimed at establishing settlements and asserting sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, according to the Jordan News Agency.
He emphasized the importance of implementing the US-backed agreement to end the war in Gaza. He also urged support for the efforts of the Syrian Arab Republic to protect its security, stability, and sovereignty, Petra added.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, the Director of His Majesty’s Office Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the UK Manar Dabbas were also present at the meeting.
The king met on Monday in London Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, the UK’s chief of the defense staff. Their discussion centered on enhancing defense cooperation between Jordan and the UK. Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, the chairman of Jordan’s joint chiefs of staff, also attended this meeting.
The king had met former British officials and members of Parliament prior to meeting Knighton. Discussions addressed the UK’s role in supporting efforts to restore stability within the region, alongside developments in Jerusalem, Gaza, Syria, and Iran.
