This year marks the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic ties and the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Despite Western claims of a “China squeeze” on developing countries’ industrialization, African voices tell a different story.

　　China offers affordable machinery, technology, and a vast zerotariff market for African farm produce—boosting exports like Zimbabwean blueberries. African officials stress that Chinese machinery and tech lower industrialization costs, while market standards spur industrial upgrades. They envision shared supply chains and knowledge transfer for mutual benefit.

　　As one African youth leader put it, “Africa sees its own future in China's rise.”

　　Photo / VCG

　　By Li Yuanyuan, Wang Zichengmei (intern), Zhao Anqi / China Youth Daily