The third plenary session of the China-Africa Friendship Group of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) was held in Beijing on Jan 19. The purpose of the meeting was to study and implement the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, review the group's work in 2025 and adopt plans for 2026.

Mu Hong, vice-chairman of the CPPCC National Committee and head of the China-Africa Friendship Group, addressed the meeting.

Those at the meeting acknowledged the group's efforts in 2025 in serving China's overall diplomatic work, especially its Africa-related work. It has actively engaged in exchanges and interactions with the continent, playing a positive role in building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era.

The meeting emphasized that 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and African countries and is designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. In 2026, the group will actively engage in public diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy, and think tank diplomacy with Africa, strengthen interactions with African partners and deepen exchanges in governance experience, according to the meeting. The group will offer proposals and suggestions on advancing China-Africa friendly cooperation, help consolidate public support for China-Africa friendship, and contribute to the joint efforts of building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, the participants noted.