Report- Héribert-Label Élisée Adjovi
“The CPC is writing a new chapter in the history of national rejuvenation.” This was the strong message delivered on Friday, July 3, 2026, by His Excellency Mr. Zhang Wei, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Benin, during the seminar organized at the Chinese Embassy marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Addressing representatives of the National Assembly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, many friends of China, and the press, he recalled that “over the past 105 years, the CPC has forged, at the cost of immense sacrifices, an epic of national salvation.” From 1921 to 1949, it united the Chinese people, led them through arduous struggles, defeated Japanese invaders, overthrew the reactionary Kuomintang regime, and founded New China.
“Under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people, relying on their own strength, built the country from nothing, established socialism as the fundamental system, created a relatively complete industrial system and national economy, and achieved the broadest and deepest social transformation in the nation’s history.” Zhang Wei emphasized that the CPC ushered in a new era of national revival through reform. “Since 1978, the policy of reform and opening‑up enabled China to accomplish in just a few decades the industrialization that took developed countries centuries, creating the ‘two miracles’ of rapid economic growth and lasting social stability, making China the world’s second‑largest economy and a major driver of global growth.”
Since socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era, China has eradicated absolute poverty and achieved its first centenary goal: building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. “The Chinese people now advance with confidence and determination toward the second centenary goal: making China a great modern socialist country in all respects,” assured the Ambassador. He noted: “At the gathering held on July 1, the CPC’s founding date, President Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, praised the Party’s 105‑year history and called on members to remain firm in their convictions and work tirelessly to fulfill the Party’s missions in the new era.”
After this historical overview of the CPC’s exceptional journey, Ambassador Zhang Wei addressed three essential questions: Why did the CPC, which began with only about fifty members, become the world’s largest political party with over 100 million members? How has the CPC governed such a vast socialist country for more than 70 years and achieved remarkable results? What are the secrets of its success? He explained: - “First, putting the people above all else… Whatever the difficulties, the CPC always faces them with determination to ensure a better life for the people.” - “Second, maintaining independence and self‑reliance… By relying on its own strength to promote national development, the Chinese people, under CPC leadership, successfully embarked on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.” - “Third, pursuing self‑revolution… Like the ocean, the CPC has the capacity to purify and improve itself, enabling it to weather storms while maintaining vitality.” - “Fourth, caring for the whole world… China remains a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a defender of international order.”
“This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa.” Ambassador Zhang Wei stressed that, regardless of international uncertainties, China always regards Africa as a continent full of hope. “The principles of sincerity, concrete results, friendship, and good faith proposed by President Xi Jinping remain the fundamental guidelines of China’s policy toward Africa, while sincerity and equality have always been the foundation of China‑Africa relations.” Moreover, he noted, China‑Africa relations have been elevated to the level of a community with a shared future in the new era. Cooperation is highly promising and offers vast prospects. “Currently, China is working with African countries to accelerate the implementation of the Ten Partnership Actions proposed by President Xi Jinping and to deepen cooperation in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment, so that the fruits of modernization benefit both Chinese and African peoples.” He highlighted that the zero‑tariff policy is a strong symbol of China‑Africa cooperation in the new era, while human and cultural exchanges serve as an important bridge for mutual understanding and friendship.
Before an audience of Beninese officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Assembly, political leaders, academics, and the press, Ambassador Zhang Wei made commitments: “China intends to expand pragmatic cooperation with Benin, align China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan with the new Beninese government’s development strategy, and intensify exchanges of governance experience between the two countries. Exchanges and cooperation between legislative institutions and political parties are of particular importance for the development of China‑Benin relations.”
Following his remarks, various personalities contributed to the seminar on "A New Starting Point, a Shared Future: Working Together to Develop China-Benin Relations", praising the CPC’s remarkable achievements for China and its people, the Chinese‑style modernization that inspires the world and the Global South, and the win‑win strategic partnership between China and Benin.