By Liu Wei, Assistant Researcher, Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Comics drawn by Wang Dongjie

The Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ended on Dec 5 and Chinese President Xi Jinping flew back to Beijing. Before his departure, Xi delivered closing remarks to praise the FOCAC declaration and the Johannesburg Action Plan (2016-2018).

He proposed upgrades to China-Africa relations, despite changes in the international landscape. China and Africa have belonged to a community of a shared future; remaining good friends, partners and brothers.

Xi's visit to three countries signaled extraordinary significance. Xi has traveled night and day for seven consecutive days. His trip covered three countries and four cities, consisting of intensive bilateral and multilateral activities.

He held meetings with leaders of more than 50 states or regional organizations, gave many key speeches, which brought far-reaching outcomes. He injected China's momentum to Paris climate agreement negotiations.

He boosted China-Africa relations to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation cored with “five major pillars” and 10 major plans that open a new era of comprehensive development.

The grand finale represents an end to 2015 diplomatic activities and opens a new future as well to reflect a major country's diplomatic landscape with Chinese characteristics.

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