By Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI
The Golden Tulip “Le Diplomate” Hotel in Cotonou, Benin, hosted the festivities marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on Monday, September 29, 2025. On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Zhang Wei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Benin, and Ambassador Franck Armel Afoukou, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, celebrated Chinese-style modernization and the strategic partnership established between China and Benin during President Patrice Talon's state visit to Beijing from August 31 to September 3, 2023.
The ceremony featured the national anthems of China and Benin, official speeches, a symbolic cake-cutting, a toast, and a festive buffet. These elements summarized the celebration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Golden Tulip “Le Diplomate” Hotel in Cotonou. The event was attended by representatives of the Beninese government, Chinese embassy officials, citizens and “Friends of China,” as well as members of the diplomatic and consular corps accredited in Benin. “For 76 years, under the firm leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have overcome obstacles and persevered relentlessly. They have forged a path of Chinese-style modernization, achieving two miracles: rapid economic development and lasting social stability. Today, China is resolutely advancing toward building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation through modernization,” said Ambassador Zhang Wei in his speech, highlighting the defining features of the “Chinese Miracle.” First, China is a major force in improving global governance. On September 1, during the “Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus” meeting, President Xi Jinping officially launched the Global Governance Initiative. This initiative advocates sovereign equality, respect for international law, multilateralism, people-centered development, and concrete action. Following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, this new proposal by President Xi Jinping offers a public good that contributes Chinese wisdom and solutions to enhancing global governance. China is ready to work with the international community, including Benin, to firmly support the central role of the United Nations in international affairs and promote the establishment of a fairer and more reasonable global governance system.
Second, China is a key force in maintaining world peace. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global anti-fascist war. Eighty years ago, after 14 years of fierce struggle and more than 35 million casualties, the Chinese people made an indelible contribution to the global victory over fascism. The return of Taiwan Province to China is an integral part of the outcomes of World War II and the post-war international order. Respect for the One-China principle and opposition to any separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence” are not only the firm position of the Chinese government and people but also a vital guarantee for the continuity of the post-war international order. It is hoped that all countries will learn from history, cherish peace, and work together for a better future for humanity. Third, China is a driving force for global development. “In 2025, China's economy continues to grow steadily: in the first half of the year, GDP rose by 5.3% year-on-year, and merchandise exports increased by 7.2% against global trends, offering the world the most precious asset of our time—certainty. For many years, China’s contribution to global economic growth has remained around 30%,” said the Chinese Ambassador. As a major contributor and anchor of global economic stability, China will continue to share its development opportunities with all countries, including Benin, by implementing tariff exemptions for 100% of product lines from 53 African countries and jointly promoting inclusive and beneficial economic globalization.
China–Benin: A Mutually Beneficial Strategic Partnership
His Excellency Mr. Zhang Wei also took the opportunity to revisit the strategic partnership established between China and Benin following President Patrice Talon's state visit to Beijing. Since then, high-level exchanges between the two countries have intensified. “The President of the National Assembly, H.E. Mr. Louis Vlavonou, traveled to China to participate in the Second International Conference of Civil Societies for the joint implementation of the Global Development Initiative. The Minister of State, H.E. Mr. Romuald Wadagni, attended the annual meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and signed the framework agreement for economic partnership and shared development. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, visited China twice to attend the ministerial meeting of coordinators for the implementation of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation and the signing ceremony of the Convention establishing the International Organization for Mediation. Exchanges between legislative institutions, political parties, and local government delegations are multiplying. Discussions on state governance are deepening, and political trust continues to grow.” In the same spirit, pragmatic cooperation between China and Benin is yielding fruitful results. “The Niger–Benin Pipeline is operating stably and efficiently; the second phase of Benin’s High-Speed Broadband Network densification project has been completed and commissioned, injecting new momentum into Benin’s industrialization. The joint laboratory for desertification control has been officially established, the Luban Workshop training center is now operational, and over 400 Beninese professionals have benefited from various human resource training programs in China. The mutual recognition agreement for Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) between the customs authorities of both countries has come into effect, streamlining trade exchanges. In the first half of 2025, bilateral merchandise trade volume reached USD 867 million, up 31.2% year-on-year. The 15th Chinese Products Fair in Benin (West Africa) was successfully held, and more high-quality Chinese products are finding their way into Beninese households. A consensus has been reached on technical standards for exporting Beninese pineapples to China. We look forward to seeing Benin’s “Pain de Sucre” pineapple on the tables of a billion Chinese consumers in the near future.”
What about human and cultural exchanges between China and Benin? Ambassador Zhang Wei responded: “The Chinese Cultural Center in Benin, one of the very first established abroad, has long contributed to these exchanges. In 2025, the Center organized a series of remarkable cultural activities: the Chinese New Year Gala, the ‘Tea Culture Salon,’ and ‘Xi’an in Motion through Cultural Heritage Sharing,’ showcasing the depth of Chinese civilization. The ethnic music group Nair Band performed alongside Beninese artists, creating a vibrant symphony of cultural exchange. Urban dance, table tennis, and badminton competitions were also highly appreciated, bringing our two peoples closer together.” As one of the consensuses from the Beijing FOCAC Summit, the year 2026 will be designated the Sino-African Year of Human and Cultural Exchanges, featuring a rich and diverse series of cultural events that will write a new chapter in the dialogue of civilizations between China and Africa.
Benin’s Admiration for the Chinese Model
In response, Ambassador Franck Armel Afoukou, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed admiration for Chinese-style modernization. “The Government and the friendly People of Benin appreciate the inspiring journey of China and the valiant Chinese People under the leadership of its senior officials. Indeed, from the proclamation of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, to its current stature and prominent role on the international stage, we can only observe the consistency of a strategic vision: the building of a strong nation, firmly committed to peace, development, and global security.” This vision was eloquently captured in a statement by President Xi Jinping: “The Chinese Dream is the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Ambassador Franck Armel Afoukou is equally inspired by Sino–Beninese cooperation. “Relations between Benin and China are rooted in a tradition of sincere friendship and active solidarity. Their recent elevation to a strategic partnership, during the President of the Republic’s latest state visit to China, reflects the shared will of both Parties to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, in pursuit of sustainable, inclusive, and mutually beneficial development. In strategic areas such as infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, trade and investment, digital economy, security, defense, and tourism, China has proven to be a trusted partner and major ally of Benin. This exemplary cooperation illustrates the depth of bilateral ties and the shared commitment to harmonious mutual development.”
This is well justified, given the tangible results of the cooperation listed by the Beninese diplomat: “China supports the Government’s capacity-building efforts by hosting dozens of Beninese trainees each year through bilateral and multilateral training programs. Institutional exchanges between our two countries are also intensifying, as evidenced by the recent working visit of the President of the National Assembly to China from September 7 to 11, 2025. Furthermore, as part of the implementation of the ten partnership actions announced by President Xi Jinping at the last FOCAC Summit in Beijing in September 2024, Benin is preparing to join the select group of African countries authorized to mobilize Chinese citizens’ savings through the issuance of panda bonds.” In the health sector, Benin recently welcomed the 28th Chinese medical mission. Preparations are also underway for the second edition of the free cataract surgery project titled “March Toward Light,” whose first edition restored sight to nearly two hundred patients. In defense and security, China provides valuable material support to Benin, in a sub-regional context marked by instability and terrorist threats. Both countries have recently initiated a co-production approach to security through closer collaboration under the Global Security Initiative led by President Xi Jinping. On the commercial front, Benin’s “Pain de Sucre” pineapple will once again be showcased at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) scheduled in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, 2025. Benin, which will spare no effort to attract more Chinese investors to its territory, hopes that the measures adopted at the last FOCAC Summit will further stimulate trade between China and Africa and, in particular, promote the export of “Made in Benin” products to China, thereby helping to rebalance the trade balance between our two countries. Ultimately, the results and achievements mentioned above, though not exhaustive, reflect a fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership, sustained by constant dialogue between both Parties’ teams and strong commitment from their senior leaders.
These speeches were moments of solemnity, much like the performance of the national anthems of China and Benin that preceded them, and the symbolic cake-cutting that followed. Finally came the toast and commemorative buffet marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. An African proverb teaches: “If you want to go fast, walk alone. But if you want to go far, let’s walk together.” On this note, Ambassador Zhang Wei was unequivocal: “China is ready to work with Benin to implement the ‘ten partnership actions,’ strengthen mutual political trust, expand economic and trade cooperation, and deepen human and cultural exchanges—so that the fruits of pragmatic Sino–Beninese cooperation benefit both peoples and continuously inject new vitality into the healthy development of our strategic partnership.” So be it!