President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo arrived in Beijing at 22:35 on Sunday to attend the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which will be held in the Chinese capital from September 4 to 6.
Located in the heart of Africa, The DRC has a population of over 100 million, comprising more than 250 ethnic groups. Its capital is Kinshasa, and the official language is French.
The country is exceptionally rich in natural resources, including a wide range of non-ferrous metals, rare metals, and non-metallic minerals. Notably, its copper reserves represent 15 percent of the world's total, making the DRC a crucial production and supply base for copper and cobalt.
Additionally, the DRC is endowed with extensive forest resources, accounting for 47 percent of Africa's forested area.
China is the largest trading partner and the top source of investment for the DRC. In 2021, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the Belt and Road Initiative.
President Tshisekedi was elected in January 2019 and re-elected in January 2024. In May 2023, he visited China on a state visit, during which the two heads of state announced the upgrade of their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
In the first half of 2024, bilateral trade between China and the DRC reached 12.34 billion U.S. dollars. Chinese companies in the DRC adhere to the principles of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, actively contributing to local communities to ensure that the benefits of China-Africa cooperation are genuinely felt by the local people.
The upcoming FOCAC summit's theme is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." Many African leaders, including Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairman of the African Union Commission, will lead delegations to the summit. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will attend as a special guest, and relevant international and regional organizations will participate as observers.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will deliver a keynote speech at the summit’s opening ceremony on September 5.
Following the 2006 FOCAC Beijing Summit, the 2015 FOCAC Johannesburg Summit, and the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, the upcoming summit will be another happy reunion for the friendly family of China and Africa. It will also be the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years.
President of DR Congo arrives in Beijing for FOCAC summit
President of DR Congo arrives in Beijing for FOCAC summit
Once renowned as China's heavy industry and manufacturing center, the northeastern city of Shenyang has evolved into a lively cultural center, shedding its industrial image of towering chimneys and steel pipes to embrace a dynamic and creative landscape.
Rich in history, Shenyang proudly claims the title of "the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)." The majestic Shenyang Imperial Palace, one of only two remaining royal palace complexes in China, stands as a testament to this legacy. Tourists eager to immerse themselves in history can slip into ancient Chinese costumes, stepping into the robes of royalty, if only for a moment.
Beyond the traces of ancient China, the city also bears the imprint of Western influences. Shenyang's streets are lined with European-style architecture, including a bookstore named after the German philosopher Goethe, inviting visitors to pause and explore.
"We opened on Aug 15 of 2016, so the bookstore is now eight years old. However, we are housed in this century-old building that was constructed in 1923," said Lyu Yan, manager of Goethe Bookstore.
Shenyang also boasts a unique culinary heritage, such as the famous "chicken carcass" dish. Originally a resourceful way to create a hearty meal from leftover chicken bones during times of economic hardship in the 1990s, this humble dish has now become a local favorite.
With so many delectable options, the city can easily induce a food coma. But a quick caffeine boost is just around the corner, as Shenyang's charming streets are dotted with coffee shops, each offering a distinct theme and artisanal brews.
Wang Bo, owner of Jingwei Coffee, wanted to create a Chinese vintage ambiance to evoke nostalgic memories for visitors.
"Personally, I have a fondness for collecting old items. As my collection grew, I realized I also loved coffee and wanted to open my own shop. Initially, I considered using American or Parisian vintage decor, but then I thought, why not go Chinese vintage? And that's how this store came to be. I wanted to create a northern Chinese-style living room ambiance for this coffee shop, a place that would evoke memories and inspire visitors to find their own stories," said Wang.
While towering chimneys and sprawling factories once defined Shenyang in the 20th century, the city has undergone a stunning transformation. It now has become a beacon of high-end manufacturing. At the E-X Future Technology Museum, some of China's most advanced humanoid robots are on display, making it a popular attraction for families and kids.
"We want to plant a seed of technology in their minds, especially about robots. Many kids who come here only know robots from cartoons and science fiction movies. We want to show them the real progress we’re making in robotics in China, and how robots are actually used in everyday life. We want them to see what robots look like and how they are being used in our world," said Zhang Tinghao, general manager of Liao Ning New-Dimension Humanoid Robot Research Institute.
As night falls, Shenyang unveils more of its charm. In an underground jazz bar, a lively crowd of dancers immerses themselves in the rhythm of swing beats, a growing trend among the city's young residents.
"I've noticed that young people in Shanghai and Beijing are finding new friendships and ways to relax through swing dancing. This trend has inspired me to introduce swing dancing to the people of Shenyang. I hope to share the joy and energy of this vibrant lifestyle with more young people here," said Sam Wei, founder of Shenyang Swing Dance Club.
From its historical landmarks and cultural treasures to its modern advancements, Shenyang is far more dynamic than the old stereotypes of a northern Chinese industrial city. The city's blend of East and West reveals a depth that goes beyond first impressions, offering endless possibilities for those with a curious spirit.
China's 'City of Steel' Shenyang transforms into vibrant cultural hub
