Bridging the continental gap, from railway to rice

After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the nation quickly forged strong political relations with African countries. The relationships between China and African countries were built on the shared historical experience of fighting against colonialism and imperialism. This common struggle prompted both China and Africa to pursue political autonomy and economic self-sufficiency.

During the 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia, then Chinese premier Zhou Enlai held detailed talks with African leaders to understand the needs and aspirations of the African countries.

Equally important, the conference's final communique endorsed the China-proposed Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. These principles have since become the cornerstone of China-Africa relations.