By Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi
In a rapidly changing world—where traditional models are losing momentum in the face of the scale and complexity of contemporary global challenges—China offers an alternative that has captured the world’s imagination. President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought is rooted in the principles of multipolarity, international solidarity, and respect for national sovereignty. This is embodied in the Global Governance Initiative, launched in 2022, which seeks to place humanity at the heart of global governance, centered on four essential pillars: inclusive development, shared security, dialogue among civilizations, and the reform of multilateral institutions.
The new China-Benin strategic partnership, formalized during President Patrice Talon’s state visit to Beijing in September 2023, serves as a perfect illustration of this vision. Beyond the economic agreements and infrastructure projects that allow Benin to share in the fruits of "Chinese-style modernization" alongside its strategic partner, the relationship reflects a clear commitment by both Beijing and Cotonou to situate their cooperation within the broader framework of a "community with a shared future"—both for the world at large and for the Global South in particular.
The Global Governance Initiative at the Heart of President Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Thought President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought rests on three major pillars: respect for national sovereignty, multipolarity as an antidote to hegemony, and win-win cooperation as the driving force of international relations. This approach aims to provide a stronger voice to countries of the Global South, which have long been marginalized within global institutions. Respect for national sovereignty encompasses non-interference—the right of every nation to freely choose its own political and economic model—as well as the equality of nations, where both large and small states possess equal rights in international affairs, and strategic autonomy, ensuring that cooperation strengthens, rather than diminishes, the sovereignty of partners. Regarding multipolarity as an antidote to hegemony, the focus is on rejecting a unipolar world—opposing any attempt by a single global power to dominate other states—while fostering a balance of power through an international system in which multiple centers of decision-making coexist, and strengthening the Global South by granting developing nations an active role in global governance. As for win-win cooperation, it is built upon balanced partnerships—where every agreement must benefit both parties—and shared development, pursued through investments in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, digital technology, and education. All of this is directed toward building a community with a shared future for humanity.
At the heart of President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought lies the Global Governance Initiative, launched in 2022, which rests on four essential pillars that reflect a pragmatic vision of international cooperation: - Inclusive development, which involves investment in infrastructure—such as roads, ports, airports, energy, and digital systems—to reduce regional inequalities. This includes poverty reduction through cooperation programs designed to support developing nations, as well as the sharing of opportunities by integrating economies of the Global South into global value chains; - Shared security, which entails combating transnational threats—including terrorism, pandemics, cyberattacks, and climate change. This approach treats security as a "common good" rather than a privilege reserved for major powers, and emphasizes regional stability by supporting fragile states to prevent cross-border crises; - Dialogue among civilizations, which prioritizes mutual respect, recognizing that every culture possesses inherent value. This encompasses cultural exchanges—through forums, academic institutions, media, and artistic programs—aimed at fostering greater understanding. It also views diversity as an asset, positing that modernization is not merely the adoption of a single dominant model (such as Westernization), but rather a process that can follow multiple, distinct trajectories. - Institutional reform, aimed at strengthening the role of the United Nations by consolidating its status as a cornerstone of peace and multilateralism. This includes enhancing representativeness by giving a stronger voice to countries of the Global South within international bodies; in this regard, China supports the inclusion of Africa as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The rebalancing of the rules—which amounts to a reform of the financial architecture, international trade, and digital governance—addresses areas where the current rules fundamentally penalize the African continent.
Moreover, President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thinking is not merely doctrinal; it finds concrete expression in partnerships such as the one established between China and Benin in September 2023. The China-Benin strategic partnership illustrates the practical application of this vision, linking infrastructure, trade, healthcare, the digital sector, and culture to a broader geopolitical ambition: to make Africa an actor whose voice carries weight in global governance.
President Xi Jinping’s Diplomatic Thought and Its Foundation in the New China-Benin Strategic Partnership During President Patrice Talon’s state visit to Beijing (August 31 – September 3, 2023), China and Benin elevated their bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership. This was formalized through a joint declaration and the signing of 13 agreements covering the economy, healthcare, the digital sector, training, and infrastructure. This new China-Benin strategic partnership serves as an eloquent illustration of President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought—and for good reason.
The new China-Benin strategic partnership places the economy and development at the heart of bilateral cooperation. It serves as a comprehensive framework designed to accelerate major national projects in Benin, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen the country’s integration into regional and global dynamics. Key economic pillars of this partnership include infrastructure—such as the modernization of the Autonomous Port of Cotonou, the rehabilitation of road corridors leading to Niger and Burkina Faso, and urban sanitation projects aimed at flood mitigation. It also encompasses agriculture and food security, involving cooperation on grain storage management, the reduction of post-harvest losses, and logistical support for priority agricultural hubs. Furthermore, it addresses regional development by focusing on improving connectivity for the "Greater North" (Parakou, Natitingou, Kandi) through inter-state roads and multimodal infrastructure, intended to boost local economies and bolster stability in the face of challenges stemming from the Sahel region. This partnership serves as a practical illustration of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic philosophy, which centers on multipolarity—giving a greater voice to countries of the Global South in global governance—as well as solidarity, manifested through cooperation on concrete, sustainable projects. It also embodies a "win-win" approach: the Chinese partner offers Benin development opportunities rooted in the "Chinese-style modernization" model, while simultaneously strengthening China’s presence in West Africa.
The new China-Benin strategic partnership places trade and investment at the heart of bilateral cooperation. Beijing and Cotonou have agreed to strengthen their exchanges, diversify economic sectors, and establish an institutional framework to attract Chinese capital into strategic Beninese sectors.
Regarding trade cooperation mechanisms, measures include customs facilitation—specifically, agreements to simplify import-export procedures and streamline logistics flows. It is worth noting that Benin—like the 53 other African nations that have established diplomatic relations with China—benefits from a customs exemption policy applied to products exported to China, in effect since May 1, 2026. As for the diversification of Beninese exports, products such as soybeans, "Sugarloaf" pineapples, and various agri-food goods are now finding a market in China, extending beyond the traditional focus on cotton. Bilateral trade agreements also include a commitment to increase the volume of trade and balance the trade deficit. Regarding strategic investments, both countries have agreed to establish an Investment Working Group, creating a bilateral platform to identify priority projects and secure financing. This includes green investments—promoting sustainable projects in solar energy, smart agriculture, and eco-friendly infrastructure—as well as support for industrial zones. China is providing assistance for the development of industrial hubs designed to process Beninese raw materials locally; this builds upon existing collaboration between the two nations within the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone and the Sèmè-Kpodji Special Industrial and Economic Zones.
This trade and investment component illustrates the practical application of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic philosophy, centered on multipolarity (securing a prominent place for Benin within global trade), solidarity (translating cooperation into concrete, sustainable projects), and a "win-win" approach—offering Benin development opportunities while simultaneously strengthening China’s presence in West Africa.
During President Patrice Talon’s state visit to Beijing, China and Benin signed several agreements in the fields of healthcare, digital technology, and training, positioning these three sectors at the heart of a new strategic partnership. These initiatives reflect both nations' commitment to building a sustainable cooperation focused on human development and innovation. The China-Benin strategic partnership in healthcare encompasses hospital cooperation—including the construction and modernization of hospitals, the provision of medical equipment, and support for public health services. This builds upon an already exemplary relationship in the health sector, evidenced by the Lokossa Departmental Hospital, the Parakou Military Teaching Hospital (commonly known as the "Chinese hospital"), and the 28 Chinese medical technical missions deployed since December 29, 1972—the date the two countries restored diplomatic relations. The partnership also extends to medicine and research, involving the exchange of medical expertise, the training of Beninese physicians in China, and collaborative efforts to combat infectious diseases. Furthermore, it addresses access to care through joint programs designed to improve healthcare coverage, particularly in rural areas.
In the digital sector, the two countries have reached agreements concerning digital infrastructure—specifically the development of high-speed networks and the modernization of telecommunications systems. Regarding cybersecurity, agreements have been established between the bjCSIRT (Benin) and the CNCERT/CC (China) to bolster cyberspace security. In terms of technological innovation, the focus includes support for Beninese start-ups and the transfer of technology within strategic sectors, such as smart agriculture and e-governance. As for training and education, initiatives include scholarships and academic exchanges—with an increase in the number of scholarships available to Beninese students in China—as well as university partnerships, such as cooperation with institutions like Ningbo Polytechnic to train Beninese educators and technicians. Furthermore, there is a focus on skills development through vocational training programs in fields including digital technology, healthcare, and engineering.
These three areas illustrate the practical application of Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought and his Global Governance Initiative, focusing on inclusive development (improving quality of life through health and education), shared security (with cybersecurity and digital resilience serving as pillars of stability), and a dialogue among civilizations (fostering mutual understanding through academic and cultural exchanges).
In short, health, the digital sector, and training form the human foundation of the China-Benin strategic partnership. They reflect a vision in which development is not limited to infrastructure alone, but extends to innovation and human capital—placing Benin at the heart of the dynamics of the Global South.
Communication and Culture in the New China-Benin Strategic Partnership The new strategic partnership, established during President Patrice Talon’s state visit to Beijing (August 31 – September 3, 2023), incorporates a vital component: communication and culture. This reflects both nations' commitment to fostering mutual understanding and strengthening human ties—extending well beyond mere economic figures. The communication dimension encompasses media cooperation—including agreements to facilitate exchanges between journalists and both public and private media outlets, as well as to enhance audiovisual regulation—and the sharing of expertise through the transfer of technology and know-how to modernize Beninese institutions, most notably the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC). It also involves forums and dialogues, such as Benin’s active participation in China-Africa media forums, which help give greater visibility to African voices within the global discourse. In this regard, Benin was represented by its Minister of Communication and Media, Aurélie Adam Soulé (née Zoumarou), at the 7th Forum on China-Africa Media Cooperation, held from August 19 to 21, 2026. Regarding culture, initiatives include cultural exchanges—such as festivals, exhibitions, and artistic programs designed to promote cultural diversity—as well as Confucius Institutes and cultural centers, which aim to bolster the study of Mandarin and facilitate academic exchanges. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on a "dialogue of civilizations," highlighting Xi Jinping’s philosophy on mutual respect and the valuing of diverse cultures as a foundation for peace.
This communication and culture component illustrates the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative through inclusive development, by placing the Beninese and Chinese peoples at the heart of this cooperation. It fosters shared security by strengthening trust—achieved through media transparency and a dialogue between civilizations—and by promoting cultural diversity as a pillar of stability.
By centering his diplomatic vision on the Global Governance Initiative, President Xi Jinping proposes a model rooted in multipolarity, solidarity, and respect for sovereignty. The new strategic partnership between China and Benin, established in September 2023, serves as a perfect illustration of this: it extends beyond mere economic and technical agreements, reflecting a clear commitment by both partners to build a "community with a shared future"—one that benefits both their peoples while remaining in harmony with the West African sub-region and, indeed, humanity as a whole. Through its engagement with the Chinese model of modernization, Benin is emerging as a player within the Global South, one capable of participating in inclusive global governance while simultaneously strengthening its own economic and cultural sovereignty.
Ultimately, President Xi Jinping’s diplomatic thought and his Initiative for Global Governance find a concrete illustration in the case of Benin: that of a shared governance, in which solidarity and multipolarity become the pillars of a new international order.