Ethiopia-China/Africa/Zero Tariffs

AU chief calls China "true friend" after zero‑tariff pledge to Africa

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  • Français
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Shotlist


Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Jan 9, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Interview in progress
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson (ending with shot 3):
"Let me start by really being grateful to China. When other countries are imposing tariffs and sanctions on the continent, China is opening its heart and doors for the African member countries. So you know your friends when you are in need. A friend in need is a friend indeed, so China is really a friend to the African countries. And this is the best illustration of that friendship."
3. Interview in progress

FILE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - July 2025 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
4. Various of workers moving sacks of coffee beans; sacks labeled "export to China"
5. Banner showing coffee exporter Tracon Trading
6. Various of workers selecting green coffee beans

FILE: Qingdao City, Shandong Province, east China - June 11, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
7. Aerial shots of port
8. Various of customs officers inspecting sesame imported from Chad

Storyline


China's pledge of full zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations has been hailed by the African Union (AU) Commission as both a milestone in the continent's modernization drive and proof of China's role as a "true friend" to Africa.

Announced in June 2025, the policy underscores China's readiness to negotiate and sign the China‑Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. By removing tariffs across all product categories, the initiative is expected to cut trade costs for African exporters, expand market access to China, and strengthen the predictability and efficiency of cross‑border commerce.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed gratitude to China, contrasting Beijing's approach with that of other countries that have imposed tariffs or sanctions on Africa.

"Let me start by really being grateful to China. When other countries are imposing tariffs and sanctions on the continent, China is opening its heart and doors for the African member countries. So you know your friends when you are in need. A friend in need is a friend indeed, so China is really a friend to the African countries. And this is the best illustration of that friendship," said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson.

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  • ID : 8462051
  • Dateline : Jan 9, 2026/File
  • Location : China;Ethiopia
  • Category : Diplomacy,Interview,Economy/Other
  • Duration : 1'27
  • Audio Language : English/Nats/Part Mute
  • Source : China Central Television (CCTV),China Global Television Network (CGTN)
  • Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland
  • Published : 2026-01-17 13:39
  • Last Modified : 2026-01-17 16:50:53
  • Version : 1
  • ID : 8462051
  • Dateline : 9 janvier 2026/Archives
  • Location : Chine;Éthiopie
  • Category : Diplomacy,Interview,Economy/Other
  • Duration : 1'27
  • Audio Language : Anglais/Nats/Partiellement muet
  • Source : China Central Television (CCTV),China Global Television Network (CGTN)
  • Restrictions : Pas d’accès dans la partie continentale de Chine
  • Published : 2026-01-17 16:45
  • Last Modified : 2026-01-17 16:50:53
  • Version : 1
  • ID : 8462051
  • Dateline : أرشيف/9 يناير 2026
  • Location : الصين;إثيوبيا
  • Category : Diplomacy,Interview,Economy/Other
  • Duration : 1'27
  • Audio Language : الإنجليزية/صوت الشرح/صامت جزئيا
  • Source : China Central Television (CCTV)
  • Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland
  • Published : 2026-01-17 16:41
  • Last Modified : 2026-01-17 16:50:53
  • Version : 1

Ethiopia-China/Africa/Zero Tariffs

AU chief calls China "true friend" after zero‑tariff pledge to Africa

Dateline : Jan 9, 2026/File

Location : China;Ethiopia

Duration : 1'27

  • English
  • Français
  • العربية


Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Jan 9, 2026 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Interview in progress
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson (ending with shot 3):
"Let me start by really being grateful to China. When other countries are imposing tariffs and sanctions on the continent, China is opening its heart and doors for the African member countries. So you know your friends when you are in need. A friend in need is a friend indeed, so China is really a friend to the African countries. And this is the best illustration of that friendship."
3. Interview in progress

FILE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - July 2025 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
4. Various of workers moving sacks of coffee beans; sacks labeled "export to China"
5. Banner showing coffee exporter Tracon Trading
6. Various of workers selecting green coffee beans

FILE: Qingdao City, Shandong Province, east China - June 11, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
7. Aerial shots of port
8. Various of customs officers inspecting sesame imported from Chad


China's pledge of full zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations has been hailed by the African Union (AU) Commission as both a milestone in the continent's modernization drive and proof of China's role as a "true friend" to Africa.

Announced in June 2025, the policy underscores China's readiness to negotiate and sign the China‑Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. By removing tariffs across all product categories, the initiative is expected to cut trade costs for African exporters, expand market access to China, and strengthen the predictability and efficiency of cross‑border commerce.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf expressed gratitude to China, contrasting Beijing's approach with that of other countries that have imposed tariffs or sanctions on Africa.

"Let me start by really being grateful to China. When other countries are imposing tariffs and sanctions on the continent, China is opening its heart and doors for the African member countries. So you know your friends when you are in need. A friend in need is a friend indeed, so China is really a friend to the African countries. And this is the best illustration of that friendship," said Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson.

ID : 8462051

Published : 2026-01-17 13:39

Last Modified : 2026-01-17 16:50:53

Source : China Central Television (CCTV),China Global Television Network (CGTN)

Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland

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