“The U.S. president escalates his threats of military aggression against Cuba to a dangerous and unprecedented scale,” Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel wrote on X.
Diaz-Canel called on the international community and the American people to decide whether they would allow “such a drastic criminal act” to serve the interests of a small but wealthy and influential group seeking revenge and domination.
He said that no aggressor, “no matter how powerful,” would find surrender in Cuba, but rather “a people determined to defend sovereignty and independence.”
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also said on X the same day that Trump’s “clear and direct” threat of a military attack had raised aggression against Cuba to dangerous levels.
Rodriguez said popular support for the Cuban Revolution was demonstrated “massively” during May Day celebrations on Friday.
Speaking at an event in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said the United States would take control of Cuba “almost immediately” after “finishing a job,” referring to the conflict with Iran in the Middle East.
He added that he “could” send the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the Caribbean and have it stop about 100 yards off Cuba’s coast “on the way back from Iran.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Saturday denounced the escalation of Washington’s military threats against the country by US President Donald Trump.
The initiative comes at a critical time for Africa’s agricultural expansion, particularly for South Africa’s fast-growing citrus sector, he said.
“South African citrus production is on such a significant growth trajectory that unlocking its full economic potential requires improved access to all high-value markets like China,” the business leader said.
Highlighting the sector’s broader socio-economic contribution, Ntshabele noted that the country’s citrus industry currently supports about 140,000 jobs at the farm level alone and that expanded access to a large market such as China could create further employment opportunities and support rural development.
Many rural communities in South Africa rely heavily on agricultural exports, he said, adding that citrus-producing regions are likely to be among the first to benefit from improved market access under the new tariff policy.
The zero-tariff treatment, he said, will help expand trade access and deepen economic ties between Africa and China, while strengthening the continent’s external trade resilience amid global economic uncertainty.
Such policy measures could contribute to a more stable global trading system by promoting inclusive trade and reducing barriers for developing economies, helping diversify supply chains, he added.
African exporters are expected to gain a stronger foothold in one of the world’s largest consumer markets, reinforcing confidence in long-term economic cooperation and shared growth between Africa and China, Ntshabele said.
“We greatly value the opportunities the Chinese market holds,” he added.
Many rural communities in South Africa rely heavily on agricultural exports
As a hallmark of China-Africa cooperation in the new era, the zero-tariff measure is expected to reduce trade barriers and deliver long-term benefits to people on both sides, injecting fresh momentum into their joint pursuit of modernization while contributing to a more inclusive and universally beneficial global trading system.
A reliable market
On the outskirts of the Ethiopian capital city of Addis Ababa, construction is underway on a new roasting facility for Awo Coffee to meet soaring export orders. According to Awo Coffee General Manager Tesfaye Gebru, about 90 percent of the firm’s roasted products are shipped to China each year.
“Since we began in 2014, the fast-growing Chinese coffee market has emerged as our primary export destination,” said Gebru, noting that in 2024, the company exported about 140 tonnes of Ethiopian green coffee beans and 20 tonnes of processed coffee products to China, with annual growth of around 10 percent.
Awo Coffee sources beans from its own 14-hectare farm. “We purchase beans from smallholder farmers at higher prices, directly boosting their incomes. During harvest seasons, we also hire local villagers to pick coffee cherries,” said Gebru.
Awo’s rapid expansion has been supported by early access to China’s zero-tariff policy. Effective from December 2024, China granted all least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, including 33 African countries.
The impact on Ethiopian coffee exporters has been swift. Ethiopia, widely known as the home of Arabica coffee, has strengthened its position in the Chinese market, rising to become one of the largest suppliers of coffee to China in recent years.
As China’s zero-tariff policy now extends to 53 African countries, Cameroon cocoa farmer George Wambo Cornyu described it as “a golden opportunity.”
“It’s going to encourage our domestic processing and also value additions,” said Cornyu, also president of Masoka-Ikata Farmers Cooperative in Cameroon. “It is going to trigger industrialization in our own sector.”
Beyond tariff reductions, China has in recent years expanded market access for African exports through upgraded “green channels” and other facilitation initiatives. It has also supported African participation in major trade expos such as the China International Import Expo, helping African products reach global markets.
In 2025, China-Africa trade grew by 17.7 percent year on year to reach 348 billion U.S. dollars, while Africa’s exports to China exceeded 123 billion dollars, reflecting deepening economic and trade ties.
James Kandoya, a senior economic journalist at Tanzania’s The Guardian Newspaper, noted that for a long time, many African products struggled to enter major global markets due to high tariffs, strict standards, or complicated procedures.
“When China opens its market to African exports with zero tariffs, it immediately creates real opportunities. It gives African businesses the feeling that there is a reliable market willing to engage with us on fairer terms. That can encourage more investment in agriculture, processing, and logistics,” he said.
An aerial drone photo taken on March 26, 2026 shows a view of the Lekki port in Lagos, Nigeria. (China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd./Handout via Xinhua)
A driver of African modernization
In March, the first cargo train carrying 54 containers of locally produced goods exported to China under zero-tariff treatment departed from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. It traveled along the Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway to the port city of Mombasa before continuing by sea to China.
Among the shipments was a batch of avocado oil produced at a processing plant in the Athi River Export Processing Zone on the outskirts of Nairobi, invested in by the Chinese company Sanmark Limited.
Since beginning operation in August 2025, the processing plant has exported about 410 tonnes of avocado oil to China, where the product has evolved from a niche health item to a regular feature on major e-commerce platforms.
With China’s zero-tariff policy taking effect in May, Kenya’s avocado industry players expect further export growth.
“We look forward to exporting more avocado oil and boosting incomes for local farmers,” said Muhammad Khan, operations manager at Sanmark Limited. “I also believe more Chinese investors will be encouraged to enter the Kenyan market and set up processing factories, enhancing the efficiency and resilience of the industrial chain.”
In 2022, fresh Kenyan avocados embarked on their journey to China. Since then, Chinese and Kenyan companies have launched full value-chain cooperation spanning avocado cultivation, processing, cross-border logistics, and end-market distribution, significantly boosting the sector’s overall development.
Describing the zero-tariff initiative as “an unprecedented breakthrough in the export journey,” Lee Kinyanjui, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, said: “This is more than a policy shift; it is a game changer that opens the door to one of the world’s largest consumer markets and positions Kenya for a new era of trade growth and value addition.”
“Over the past two decades, the (China-Africa cooperation) framework has steadily shifted toward trade, industrialization support, and infrastructure development. Duty-free access complements infrastructure corridors, logistics projects, and industrial parks already developed through China-Africa cooperation,” Zimbabwean economic analyst and political commentator Dereck Goto said.
Sharing a similar view, Balew Demissie, a senior communication and publication consultant at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia, said as a combined measure of trade and investment, “the zero-tariff policy closely aligns with Africa’s urgent industrialization agenda.”
“It could complement domestic industrial policies by creating new opportunities for manufacturing expansion, agro-processing, and export-oriented industrialization, thereby injecting fresh momentum into Africa’s modernization trajectory,” he added.
“This is an approach where China is trying to re-establish supply chains that are more predictable, that are more stable in this erratic world,” said Tabani Moyo, research fellow with the Graduate School of Business and Leadership at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. “Hence, (there is) a need for the multiple industries in Africa to chip in and drive the modernization agenda through value-addition of their commodities.”
A timely stabilizer
Amid rising volatility and growing protectionism in global trade, China’s zero-tariff policy underscores its firm commitment to fostering an open world economy, advancing shared development across the Global South through practical cooperation, and injecting stability into the global trade system and economic growth.
During the 39th African Union Summit, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the move, appealing to all developed countries and nations with large economic potential to take the same measure.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said that China’s initiative is particularly vital as Africa bears the brunt of global uncertainties, which have disastrous effects on African economies, particularly those with structural vulnerabilities.
“We also see isolationist policies across the world, while protectionism is growing,” he said, noting that China’s zero-tariff treatment is a “very timely” move that will help Africa tackle global challenges.
“Amid unilateralism and protectionism, China’s zero-tariff treatment enhances trade resilience, supports diversification of African exports, and sustains development prospects by shielding them from external shocks,” said Leseko Makhetha, head of the Department of Economics at the National University of Lesotho.
“It reinforces a rules-based global trading system, offering an alternative to protectionism and helping stabilize trade flows amid global tensions,” Makhetha noted.
This photo taken on April 15, 2026 shows containers at the Nairobi station of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Nelson Asienwa/Xinhua)
China’s announcement of zero-tariff treatment starting May 1 for all the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties reaffirms its consistent commitment to opening its vast market to Global South partners.
As Chinese President Xi Jinping has put it, China is committed to providing new opportunities for the world with the new achievements of Chinese modernization and offering new impetus to Global South partners, including Africa, via its huge market.
At a moment when globalization is buffeted by protectionism, China remains firm in its conviction that mutually beneficial and open cooperation is the right path forward and the common aspiration of all people.
Through concrete action, it is transforming a consumer market of over 1.4 billion people into tangible development opportunities for African nations, yielding fruitful results.
The macro picture is compelling. China-Africa trade reached a record 348 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, up 17.7 percent year on year. Of the total, China’s imports from Africa amounted to 123 billion dollars, an annual increase of 5.4 percent.
China’s new zero-tariff measures will inject much-needed certainty and confidence into the African economy. In an increasingly uncertain global trade environment, the biggest advantage of the policy is not short-term profit but long-term predictability, said Cobus van Rensburg, general manager of the South African Pecan Nut Producers Association.
“It adds a lot of security, especially from a supply point of view, as well as from a demand point of view, because it creates a better bond between South Africa and China,” he said.
The zero-tariff policy marks another key step in furthering industrial partnership between the two sides, and is expected to help Africa move up the global value chain. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan explicitly commits to supporting “Africa in developing local value chains, manufacturing and deep processing of critical minerals.”
Over the years, China has also made great efforts to remove other non-tariff barriers in its trade with Africa. Expanded sanitary and phytosanitary agreements have widened the “green lanes” for African agricultural exports to China, while digital customs supervision and regulatory innovation have shortened the journey from farm to port and, ultimately, to consumers.
The results are already visible across Africa. In Kenya, avocados and macadamia nuts now move efficiently by rail toward Chinese markets, raising farmers’ incomes while driving investment in cold-chain logistics and related industries. In Cote d’Ivoire, a modern cocoa-processing complex built by a Chinese company has helped the country move beyond its long-standing reliance on raw bean exports, allowing local farmers to participate in higher-value stages of production. In Rwanda, Chinese-supported cold storage and drying facilities have enabled premium dried chillies to reach consumers in China, opening new opportunities for local growers.
Through technology transfer, infrastructure investment and expanded market access, China is helping Africa strengthen the industrial foundations needed for long-term development. Across the continent, China is increasingly seen as a reliable and sincere partner.
History has shaped that trust. African countries supported the restoration of China’s lawful seat at the United Nations more than five decades ago, while China has in recent years championed the African Union’s entry into the G20 and consistently advocated greater African representation in global governance.
As 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, ties are deepening from government cooperation to closer bonds between ordinary people. Rooted in mutual respect and shared development, the China-Africa partnership is becoming an important force driving the rise of the Global South and supporting a more balanced global economy.
Over the years, China has also made great efforts to remove other non-tariff barriers in its trade with Africa.
Officials said the decision comes amid a diplomatic rift between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders over the ongoing war with Iran and the perceived level of allied support for American military operations.
Germany, home to roughly 35,000 U.S. troops, has been a central base for operational training and logistical support for U.S. forces in Europe.
The planned withdrawal will reduce the American footprint in Germany to levels seen before 2022, prior to an expansion of forces following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A senior Pentagon official speaking on condition of anonymity described recent comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as “inappropriate and unhelpful,” saying they contributed to Washington’s decision to pull back forces.
The official added that the U.S. expects Europe to play a more decisive role in its own security and regional defence policy.
The announcement highlighted cracks in the once‑steady transatlantic alliance, as leaders in Washington and Berlin spar over strategy and burden‑sharing.
Chancellor Merz has been publicly critical of aspects of U.S. policy, suggesting that Europe was not consulted before American and allied strikes began in the Persian Gulf region earlier this year.
This exchange has further strained relations with NATO’s most influential European partner.
While the troop withdrawal does not represent a full exit by the United States from Germany or NATO, it sends a strong message about shifting priorities.
U.S. officials say the move is part of a broader defence posture review and reflects changing military needs on the ground. However, analysts warn that it could deepen divisions between the United States and Europe, potentially encouraging European countries to accelerate efforts to build up their own defence capabilities independent of U.S. leadership.
Critics of the decision within the United States argue that reducing troop numbers amid rising geopolitical challenges including Russia’s continued aggression in Eastern Europe could weaken NATO’s deterrence posture.
Supporters of the pullback, however, claim it will allow the United States to realign its defence focus toward other global priorities and encourage NATO members to assume greater responsibility for their collective security.
The planned drawdown also affects specific units of the U.S. Army in Germany, including a brigade combat team and a long‑range artillery battalion, with planned deployments canceled as part of the reorganization.
As the withdrawal moves forward, U.S. and European officials are expected to engage in further discussions about defence cooperation and the future role of NATO in ensuring regional stability.
U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany amid rising rift with European allies.
The British Royal Navy, citing monitoring results from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) it leads, said that since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, reports of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters have gone “through the roof,” in the strait especially.
Between March 1 and April 27, a total of 41 security incidents were recorded.
The UKMTO said that around 850 to 870 large merchant vessels, including oil tankers, liquefied natural gas carriers and container ships, are currently stranded in the Gulf waters.
Meanwhile, about 20,000 seafarers are trapped in the region. Crew changes have been severely disrupted.
Although supplies continue to reach ships, they have been reduced, and prolonged stranding could affect the mental health of seafarers.
The agency noted that as international attention focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, there is a warning of resurgent piracy off the coast of Somalia.
The photo released on July 21, 2019 shows the British oil tanker “Stena Impero” surrounded by Iranian Revolutionary Guard near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran.
The soldiers were at a security checkpoint in Big Babanki in the Tubah subdivision when they were attacked, a military official in the region confirmed.
“The separatist terrorists took them by surprise. The sad incident occurred by midday this Friday. We have deployed additional forces to pursue the terrorists and capture them,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua.
Local media reported an increase in attacks on civilians and security forces in the region in recent weeks.
Cameroon has been experiencing an armed separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions of Northwest and Southwest since 2017, as separatists seek to create a new nation in the regions.
Two Cameroonian soldiers were killed on Friday in an ambush by separatist fighters in the country’s English-speaking Northwest region, security sources said.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a symposium on strengthening basic research in Shanghai.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech at a symposium on strengthening basic research in Shanghai, east China, April 30, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)
China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African diplomatic partners demonstrates the shared commitment of China and Africa to contributing to global peace and development with stability, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday, adding that China will steadily enhance trade facilitation with Africa.
Lin made the remarks at a regular news briefing in response to a query about China’s zero-tariff treatment for African countries starting May 1, 2026.
“China has noted Africa’s eager anticipation and positive feedback on the zero-tariff measures,” Lin said.
He noted that global protectionism and unilateralism are on the rise, and the spillover effects of the situation in the Middle East have spread to adjacent continents. By sharing opportunities and pursuing common development through the zero-tariff policy, China and Africa have demonstrated their determination to contribute to global peace and development with stability, Lin added.
“China will continue to negotiate and sign economic partnership agreements for common development with relevant African countries. At the same time, it will upgrade the green channel for the export of agricultural products from Africa to China and steadily enhance trade facilitation between China and Africa,” Lin said.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday that China will steadily enhance trade facilitation with Africa.
Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Tuesday.
The importance of disaster prevention, mitigation and relief work must be fully understood from a strategic perspective of ensuring both high-quality development and high-level security, Xi said.
To do a good job in such work, it is imperative to uphold the Party’s overall leadership, put people and their lives first, respect the laws of nature, prioritize prevention, push forward reform and innovation, apply systems thinking, and promote public participation, Xi said.
He stressed that reducing disaster risks and minimizing losses hinge on prevention before disasters occur, adding that safety requirements must be integrated into territorial space planning and construction planning, and that the safety standards for critical infrastructure in major cities and disaster-prone areas should be raised reasonably.
Xi called for continuous work to improve the country’s capacity to handle major disasters and catastrophes, such as strengthening monitoring and early warning systems and refining emergency response plans.
Stressing the need to strengthen scientific and technological support and legal safeguards for disaster response, Xi urged efforts to drive technological and industrial innovation in the emergency management sector.
Xi also called for improving grassroots emergency rescue systems and raising public awareness and preparedness for disasters.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has urged efforts to enhance the capacity to prevent and respond to natural disasters
