CIDCA holds Q1 press conference in 2025 (full text)

Li Ming: Good afternoon. I am the spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). Welcome to attend our first quarterly press conference of 2025.  

This year marks the 75th anniversary of China's foreign assistance. China's foreign assistance started following the establishment of New China, and its fundamental purpose can be summarized with the following words: promoting friendship and common development. To begin with, I would like to introduce the overall situation of China's recent foreign assistance and international development cooperation based on this fundamental purpose.

First, full support for head-of-state diplomacy. In 2024, fruitful outcomes were achieved in head-of-state diplomacy. With carefully-designed foreign aid measures proposed and implemented and hundreds of impressive outcomes achieved, the CIDCA participated in major events that were attended by President Xi Jinping such as the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the 19th G20 Summit,, as well as receiving state visits from 30 countries including Maldives, Fiji, South Africa, and Peru. As one of the three leading agencies of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of FOCAC, the CIDCA carefully planned and promoted the implementation of the summit outcomes, making positive contributions to the successful hosting of the summit.

Since the beginning of this year, the CIDCA has designed foreign assistance measures for the visits of leaders from countries such as Grenada, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, under the strategic guidance of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and signed dozens of cooperation documents including intergovernmental economic and technical cooperation agreements, memoranda of understanding to promote the GDI implementation, and exchanges of notes on technical assistance, project proposals and feasibility studies. Take Pakistan for example, from the visit of Prime Minister Shahbaz to China in June last year to President Zardari's visit to China in February this year, the CIDCA has signed 20 development cooperation documents with Pakistan involving multiple areas such as agriculture, healthcare, education, information communication, flood control and disaster reduction, emergency response, security, social livelihood cooperation under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and human resource development cooperation. In addition to bilateral high-level visits, the CIDCA is also actively involved in preparations for major events coming this year such as the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum, the Global Women's Summit, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit.

Second, promoting common development of the Global South. Last year, at the conference marking 70th anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, President Xi Jinping announced eight actions for global development, injecting new impetus into the accelerated development of the Global South. China is a natural member of the Global South, caring for and rooted in the Global South. Based on the development demands and actual needs of Global South countries, we are advancing major landmark projects and "small yet smart" livelihood projects in a coordinated manner. In 2024, major projects such as the Mahosot General Hospital in Laos and the Central African Cultural and Arts Center in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were completed, while projects improving people’s livelihoods such as the "Luban Workshop" facilities in Kazakhstan and Nicaragua, seawater desalination equipment in the Maldives, and housing for low-income vulnerable groups in Colombo, Sri Lanka, are being constructed. 

At the same time, we are actively engaging in human resource development cooperation, sharing China's governance experience, and supporting developing countries in exploring sustainable development paths that suit their national conditions. Throughout 2024, the CIDCA initiated and implemented over 1,700 foreign-aid human resource development cooperation programs, training more than 48,000 people. In 2025, we plan to implement over 2,000 such programs, aiming to train over 50,000 people, covering all the 17 Goals of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development. In the future, China will design projects related to three major global initiatives (the GDI, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative), providing 100,000 training opportunities for Global South countries.

Third, creating new signature programs of foreign assistance. China's foreign assistance emphasizes aligning with the needs of the recipient countries, avoiding imposition, while also keeping up with the times. In the past, flagship projects of China's foreign assistance mainly focused on agriculture, healthcare, and hygiene. While upholding and promoting traditional programs, we are also committed to cultivating new programs, with a focus on areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, and the blue economy. In February of this year, the CIDCA released reports on the "small yet smart" projects and green development assistance under the series of "International Development Cooperation: China's Practice," showcasing China's progress in green development assistance featuring increased scales, diversified methods, and expanded fields. 

Now, I am ready to answer any questions you may have.

Phoenix TV: Since the Trump administration took office, there has been a significant adjustment in the United States' foreign aid policy. The US State Department recently announced that it will cancel over 90 percent of the foreign aid contracts of the United States Agency for International Development. How does China view the impact of this move on the international development cooperation situation?

Li Ming: It came to our attention that some countries have made significant adjustments to their foreign aid policies, with multiple media reports indicating that projects worth billions of dollars will be canceled, exceeding 90 percent of contracts. We have also noticed that the development assistance investments of some developed countries have been declining in recent years. We are paying close attention to the difficulties and disruptions caused to aid recipients by these adjustments and changes, fully understanding their concerns and helplessness. We believe that such adjustments and changes go against the commitments and obligations of some countries under the United Nations framework, moving against the tide and not winning the hearts of people. Of course, we do not believe that the development aid provided by these countries before was particularly exemplary. Acting in a self-serving manner cannot create a better world, and unilateralism only fosters global risks. Major countries should act like major countries in assuming international obligations and fulfilling their responsibilities as major powers, instead of going back on their words, only pursuing self-interest, or bullying the weak. 

Faced with a world of constantly emerging global challenges, the foreign policies of some countries moving against the tide, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda on the brink of regression, China's policy stability and sustained action in development assistance inject strong certainty into an uncertain world. President Xi Jinping has put forward a series of groundbreaking new concepts and initiatives such as a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, and three major global initiatives. Guided by these important theories and initiatives, China has always upheld the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith, and the correct view of righteousness and interests. Our commitment to increasing resources for global development cooperation will not change, the "three no's" principle of no interference in internal affairs, no political conditions attached and no issuance of blank cheque will not change, our positioning of foreign assistance based on our capabilities and efforts will not change, and our stance of equal consultation and win-win cooperation with development partners from the North and South will not change. 

We call on countries in the Global North to uphold true multilateralism, fulfill their development commitments, demonstrate a sense of responsibility, reject zero-sum games, and stand in solidarity with the Global South to jointly push for the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and build a community with a shared future for mankind.

CCTV: You just mentioned in your briefing that AI is a new direction for China's foreign assistance. Recently, Chinese AI technology has indeed attracted widespread attention and become a hot topic in the international community. The latest developments in various fields worldwide are closely related to AI and digitization as well. Does China have foreign assistance projects in these areas?

Li Ming: In September 2021, President Xi Jinping proposed the GDI, with digital economy and connectivity in the digital age being a key area of cooperation under the initiative. Taking the GDI as strategic guidance, we are actively carrying out foreign assistance and international development cooperation in the digital field, helping developing countries promote digital industry and the digital transformation of traditional industries, enhancing their comprehensive digital levels, and promoting technological innovation and sustainable economic growth, which has seen new brands created for China’s foreign assistance in the digital economy and AI. 

We have extensively established platforms for digital development cooperation and exchanges. At the second High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development held by the CIDCA last year, we hosted a thematic sub-forum on digitization empowering connectivity and an innovative digital economy live-streaming session, recommending specialty products and cultural tourism projects from various countries, and sharing the potential of the digital economy with over 33 million netizens from home and abroad. Within the framework of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation, we are promoting the construction of the China-Africa Satellite Remote Sensing Application Cooperation Center, using digital technology to enhance the quality and effectiveness of disaster prevention and mitigation and climate change response.

We continue to implement cooperation projects on the digital economy and digital intelligent connectivity. China has provided assistance in the construction of digital infrastructure facilities in 15 countries and international organizations including Pakistan, Laos, Egypt and Uganda, covering areas such as communication, the internet, e-government, intelligent transportation, and satellite technology. The China-assisted Tanzania National ICT Broadband Backbone Network Project has reduced national telephone charges by 58 percent and internet charges by 75 percent, helping remote rural areas and local people enjoy the benefits of digital development.

We actively train talents for digital development in developing countries, having held nearly 300 training sessions on digital-related themes. In the fields of digital economy, digital education, and digital governance, we have trained a large number of urgently needed talents for developing countries, helping these countries overcome talent bottlenecks in the digital field and effectively enhancing their capacity for independent development and governance of the digital economy. The Luban Workshop has also added training content on artificial intelligence. China is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with all parties, empowering sustainable development with digital technology and AI, and jointly exploring the vast realm thereof.

China Daily: We have noticed in the 2025 Government Work Report, it was stated that China is ready to work with other members of the international community to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, in a bid to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and create a bright future for world peace and development. Could you please introduce the latest progress of the GDI?

Li Ming: Since the proposal of the GDI over three years ago, its implementation has continued to deepen and become more detailed and results-oriented. We have been expanding our circle of friends. Notably, Africa has become the first continent to collectively welcome and support the GDI. During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the CIDCA coordinated the efforts in issuing the China-Africa joint statement on deepening cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative with African countries and the African Union. To date, 35 African countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI, accounting for over 40 percent of the group's total membership. The Group of Friends now has over 80 countries as members, with over 70 countries, regions, and international organizations joining the Global Development Promotion Center Network, and over 70 countries, international organizations, and financial institutions signing cooperation agreements with the CIDCA to implement the initiative.

We have continued to strengthen and enrich our cooperation mechanisms. The Secretariat of the Global Development Promotion Center Network is now officially operational. The total number of projects in the Global Development Project Pool exceeds 1,100, with dedicated funds amounting to $14 billion. The secretariat of the joint working group for the CIDCA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has been officially established. Under the GDI framework, both the Innovative Training Base of the Global Development Promotion Center and the Global Development Youth Leadership Home are operating in an orderly and effective manner. 

We are engaging in various practical cooperation activities. Major events such as two high-level conferences of Forum on Global Action for Shared Development and three sessions of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation have been successfully held, helping to build broad development consensus and promote sustainable development cooperation. We are working with countries in the Indian Ocean region to implement the Blue Talent Program and are carrying out green development and climate change cooperation projects in partnership with international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme. The GDI, rooted in development cooperation and focusing on common development, has demonstrated strong international influence, appeal, and shaping power.

In 2025, we will continue to advance both flagship projects and "small yet smart" livelihood projects, further solidifying the implementation of the GDI. We aim to inject new impetus into the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and contribute fresh perspectives and ideas to global development beyond 2030.

Xinhua News Agency: Last year, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was successfully held. China and Africa have embarked on a new stage of jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era, and are working together to advance the six propositions and the ten partnership actions for modernization. Could you brief us on the progress made in implementing the outcomes of the summit?

Li Ming: The Beijing Summit of FOCAC was successfully held in September last year. It was a landmark event focusing on development cooperation and deepening friendship and solidarity. The summit adopted the Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era and Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan. President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony, met with leaders of various African countries, and reached important consensus with them. Currently, the central focus of our cooperation with Africa can be summarized in two words — "action" and "implementation". Our priority is to translate the consensus reached by the leaders into concrete results. This year, China will host a ministerial-level  Coordinators' Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, clarifying the timetable and roadmap for implementation. 

As one of the three leading agencies of the Chinese Follow-up Committee of  FOCAC, the CIDCA made preparations ahead of the summit by tailoring implementation plans on a country-specific basis. Immediately after the summit, we began to promote implementation. Currently, we are closely coordinating with African countries to provide various forms of assistance totaling 80 billion yuan over the next three years. Nearly 200 cooperation projects are already underway, covering a wide range of areas including infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, the digital economy, green development, climate change, poverty reduction, and education. Emergency food aid totaling 210 million yuan is being delivered. We have also provided training to over 6,000 professionals from African countries across various sectors. The China-Africa-UN Tripartite Cooperation Demonstration Center has been established in Ethiopia, focusing on supporting African industrialization, agricultural modernization, and human resource training. Early achievements have been made in these three areas. 

Going forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with African countries to refine planning and project design, further enhancing the reputation and impact of FOCAC as a "golden brand." Through concrete cooperation outcomes, we aim to deliver real benefits to the people of China and Africa, and contribute actively to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. 

CGTN: Given the ongoing regional conflicts and instability around the world, China, as a responsible major country, has provided substantial assistance to countries in need. Could you share the latest updates on China’s humanitarian assistance efforts?

Li Ming: Whenever a humanitarian disaster occurs in the world, China is always among the first to extend a helping hand. Since 2018, China has provided over 1,000 emergency aid packages to more than 70 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the South Pacific, and Europe. In 2024, China provided nearly 50 batches of various types of emergency humanitarian aid, including disaster relief, food aid, material assistance, and medical aid, to over 40 countries and regions such as Cuba, Vanuatu, Laos, Myanmar, Tanzania, and the Republic of the Congo. The international community is currently paying close attention to the situation in Gaza. The Palestinian issue lies at the heart of the Middle East question and concerns international conscience and justice. As a responsible major country, China is deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since the outbreak of the latest round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict in October 2023, China has responded promptly and so far provided four batches of emergency humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, tents, blankets, winter clothing, mobile toilets, ventilators, and other supplies, to alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

In May 2024, President Xi Jinping announced an additional 500 million yuan in humanitarian aid on top of previous assistance, and the CIDCA is actively advancing the implementation of this pledge. Following the ceasefire on Jan 19, we seized the window of opportunity and cooperated with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization to quickly deliver food packages to 60,000 families in Gaza. We have also provided 25 million yuan worth of food and medical supplies to Palestine through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund. China will continue to cooperate with Egypt, Jordan, and United Nations agencies to explore feasible paths for emergency humanitarian aid to Gaza, fully implement aid commitments, and contribute Chinese strength to easing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promoting lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

Overall, China's humanitarian aid focuses on two aspects: emergency relief and post-disaster reconstruction. A notable example of the latter is the extensive post-disaster reconstruction assistance provided after the devastating floods in Pakistan in 2022. China will always uphold internationalism and a humanitarian spirit, provide timely assistance to countries and peoples in distress through various means based on the urgent needs of the recipients, and make significant contributions to alleviating global humanitarian crises.

The Paper: On Feb 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at a press conference in Kyiv that he hopes to receive China's support in ending the war, restoring peace, and rebuilding Ukraine in the future. What is China's response to this?

Li Ming: Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, China has provided Ukraine with four batches of humanitarian aid. China will continue to serve as a positive force for safeguarding world peace and stability, and a progressive force for upholding global fairness and justice. We are willing to continue providing assistance within our capacity, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned — and this, of course, includes post-war reconstruction.

China News Service: Some foreign media have reported that the new Gwadar International Airport in Pakistan, which was built with Chinese assistance, is currently underutilized and has not brought tangible benefits to the local people. What is your response to this?

Li Ming: The new Gwadar International Airport is an important milestone in advancing the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a key facility in the development of Gwadar Port as a regional hub for connectivity. The Chinese assistance in building the airport was based on the strong aspiration of the Pakistani government and people, with the aim of enhancing the well-being of the local people and the regional development. The project was carried out following thorough and scientific feasibility studies, and a specialized monitoring and evaluation mechanism has been put in place to ensure that every penny of aid is effectively utilized.

The airport has already been handed over to the Pakistani side and is officially operational. It takes time to develop flight routes and build passenger flow for a large airport and cannot be achieved overnight. Presently, relevant departments in Pakistan are formulating practical operational plans and development strategies for the airport, improving the road network connectivity with other parts of the country in an orderly manner, and intensifying communication with regional countries to open new air routes. 

As the economic and social development of Gwadar and its surrounding areas progresses, and as construction of the CPEC continues, the new Gwadar International Airport will undoubtedly realize its full potential, serving as an aerial bridge between Gwadar and regional countries, and adding new impetus to China-Pakistan friendship. We remain fully confident of the airport's future development.

Global Times: According to media reports, the closure of the United States Agency for International Development and the cancellation of related projects have had a significant impact on international organizations, making it difficult to proceed with many aid projects. Has China communicated with international organizations regarding these changes? Will China take measures to support relevant international organizations in maintaining continuity in their work?

Li Ming: In today's world, unilateralism is on the rise, and power politics is rampant, posing serious challenges to the global governance system with the United Nations at its core. The cause of global development is facing a severe crisis. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. As a founding member of the United Nations and a permanent member of the Security Council, China has consistently supported the UN's development agenda and firmly upheld the international system with the UN at its core.

Within the framework of the GDI, China continuously works to build consensus on global development, forge diverse partnerships, improve institutional mechanisms, and promote practical cooperation, yielding fruitful results. 

Guided by the GDI and committed to advancing the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the CIDCA has convened two high-level meetings of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development and three sessions of the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Development Cooperation. We have also co-hosted the Global National Evaluation Capacities Conference with the UNDP, attracting thousands of participants from over 200 countries and international organizations, and achieving more than 100 development cooperation outcomes. These efforts have provided a platform for exchanging diverse development ideas and have injected momentum into translating multilateral cooperation into tangible results. 

We have pooled diverse development resources and transformed the $4 billion Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund into a major force for "small yet smart" livelihood projects. So far, China has partnered with over 20 international organizations under this fund, including the UNDP, the World Food Programme, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, implementing more than 160 projects in over 60 countries and benefiting over 30 million people in developing countries. We also leverage social financing and have established a $14 billion Global Development Capital Pool to tailor financing solutions for various development projects. 

Meanwhile, we continuously expand our circle of friends. In addition to developing countries, we have institutionalized dialogues with developed countries such as Germany, Japan and multilateral development organizations led by the OECD. We maintain close communication with internationally renowned financial institutions and NGOs such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation, deepening exchanges and mutual learning within the UN development framework, and exploring trilateral cooperation opportunities to benefit more developing countries. We are willing to cooperate with all partners committed to global equal, inclusive, balanced, and sustainable development.