The beginning of the 21st century had a lot of doubt on the future of China-Africa relations.
An emerging China, back then, was described in some sections of the media as "an imperial power", "an exploiting partner" and in other contexts, a "bully".
Over two decades later, China has not, in any way, exhibited any of the traits used to describe its relations with Africa.
China is a case study of a country that when it rises, it does not want to rise alone, but share its philosophies of growth by distributing and redistributing economic initiatives that others can adopt and model for their growth.
In his book, China Shakes the World, James Kynge quoted French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte saying: "Let China sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world."
In light of the global shockwaves from China's awakening and development trajectory that Africa is also part of today, Napoleon's statements sound hauntingly prophetic today.
The reason why some nations do not understand China is they use anti-Chinese prisms of analyses to understand that great nation.
China is to Africa what other great powers do not want it to be, a friend and formidable ally of Africa.
What appears to work for China is the desire for the unity and success of all civilisations despite their geographies.
Such unity is part of its national fabric as determined by the incorporation into the mainstream of the one-China-two-systems principle.
The significance of Macau this year is not about fanfare, but a testament to how Macau has become a pivotal link between China and Portuguese-speaking nations, including several African countries.
Macau remains an explorative story of global cooperation and a bridge of cultural understanding, trade collaboration and political partnerships between China and Portuguese-speaking nations, which in Africa include Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Guinea-Bissau.
Since China resumed sovereignty over Macau on December 20, 1999, and established the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) under the "One-Country, Two-Systems" policy, the region has flourished, opening new avenues for China-Africa collaboration.
Macau's gross domestic product (GDP) has seen a staggering growth from about US$5,02 billion in 1999 to around US$36,78 billion in 2022, with a per capita GDP that places it among the world's wealthiest regions.
While its economy was once heavily reliant on gaming and tourism, recent measures have pushed for diversification, embracing finance, pharmaceuticals, and high-tech industries.
As China's "Belt and Road" Initiative weaves a tapestry of economic connections across the globe, Macau has played a unique role, especially with African Portuguese-speaking countries.
In 2022, China-Africa bilateral trade hit US$282 billion, a growth of 11,1 percent year-on-year. Macau, leveraging its position as a Sino-Lusophone platform, has been instrumental in fostering economic cooperation.
Historical ties between China and Africa dating as far back as the colonial days in the latter make the two parties inseparable as they both were disadvantaged by forces of imperialism.
With China now an emerging global power, all elements that promote cooperation cannot be substituted.
The cultural exchanges between Africa and China and the Macau SAR should remain a vibrant blend of East and West, and should be reflected, as always, in the exchanges by the involved parties.
For example, art installations and showcases by the "Art Macau" across the globe, including Africa, have always ignited and reignited profound philosophies and intriguing cultural exchanges.
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Such events, not only celebrate the diversity of arts, but also foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of African culture in Macau and vice-versa, boosting tourism.
Looking ahead, as China marks the Macau's 25th anniversary, Africa understands that it is not only a celebration of the past, but an experience to look into the future.
Macau's unique position and its anniversary are more than just historical markers, they are also a springboard for deeper, more meaningful cooperation between China and Africa. With Macau at the helm, it can be expected that there will be a future filled with cultural exchanges, economic partnerships, and a shared vision for progress.
Macau can be a small region, but the trade and investment benefits it engineered to the benefit of Africa and proves it has a big heart, paving the way for a new era of win-win cooperation with Africa.
China remains a strong ally of Africa and would want to see the continent succeed even when it is disparaged.
