Band of brothers

May 25 is Africa Day. Held every year since 1963, it celebrates the independence, freedom, progress and development of African people. This year marks the 57th Africa Day, which is of special significance against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In 1963, only 31 African states had realized independence. Getting rid of the shackles of colonial rule and winning national independence and liberation remained the primary goal and task of many African people. What was worse, the continent's economy was heavily dependent on the colonial powers. Being treated as a raw materials supplier and a dumping ground for commodities, Africa was stuck in "a lost decade" of economic recession, and even called "a hopeless continent" by the West.

Today, it is a vibrant continent of 54 countries, about one-fourth of the world's total number of states. Along with the establishment of the African Union (AU) and the African Continent Free Trade Area (AfCTFA), the regional integration process has continuously moved forward. By calling for African nations to adopt a unified position on global affairs and "speak with one voice", the AU has become one of the most influential regional organizations in the world arena.

With regard to the economy, Africa has adopted the AU's Agenda 2063 to tap its potential in independent, sustainable and inclusive development. It is a continent full of hope.

Africa's endeavor in getting rid of colonial rule, realizing independence and maintaining peace has contributed to the cause of peace, development and justice for humankind. However, Africa is also the least developed continent, and it still faces severe challenges.

First of all, Africa is still plagued by poverty. Although it has been fighting to eliminate poverty for decades, the continent still has the largest number of impoverished people and the highest incidence of poverty in the world. The poverty alleviation efforts are partly offset by the rapid population growth, and the number of poor people in Africa keeps growing. Among the 39 Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) in the world, 33 are African countries. The deep-rooted problem of poverty will not be eradicated overnight, and there is still a long way to go.

Security issues also pose great challenges to many African countries. Some countries have been long haunted by ethnic issues, religious disputes and partisan contradictions, which are usually intensified when there is an election, crisis, regime change or political instability. The risks of conflicts and even wars among countries remain high, as territorial disputes, border disputes and ethnic contradictions carried over from the past are interwoven with the interest disputes of politics, economy and resource allocation. In such a context, terrorism is hard to eradicate, and it has become even more rampant.

The intervention of external powers still curbs the full autonomy of African countries. Due to their weak governance capacities, many African countries, after winning independence, relied on their former colonial rulers. The Western countries also like to meddle in African countries' domestic affairs under the name of democracy, human rights and responsibility to protect, so as to safeguard their colonial heritage and their interests in Africa. For example, Libya is still ravaged by war, which is the disastrous consequence of external intervention.

Despite the long distance, China and Africa have been bound together by their similar historical experiences, common development tasks and shared strategic interests. The past six decades have witnessed a solid supportive friendship between China and Africa.

China has always been a sincere friend to Africa. Full of confidence in Africa's future, it supports the continent's development and poverty alleviation through practical actions and concrete assistance. For example, China has docked its Belt and Road Initiative with the AU Agenda 2063, to promote the connectivity and integration of the continent. China also positively participates in the peacekeeping operations in Africa and supports Africa's efforts to seek strength through unity. China speaks for developing countries in the United Nations, including Africa's international status and voice.

On its part, Africa also offers as strong support as possible to China. When China was first hit by COVID-19, for example, African countries provided assistance in a timely manner, an epitome of the spirit of sharing weal and woe.

As the novel coronavirus has spread throughout Africa, China has sent a tremendous amount of medical supplies to over 50 African countries and the AU. Five Chinese medical teams have rushed to countries such as Ethiopia, Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, in addition to the 46 resident Chinese medical teams in Africa.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposes the vulnerability of the health system in Africa. By May 22, the number of confirmed cases in 54 African countries has passed 100,000 and the death toll had reached 3,100. The World Health Organization has repeatedly expressed its concerns about pandemic prevention and control in Africa and called on the international community to increase assistance to Africa.

At a virtual opening event of the 73rd World Health Assembly on May 18, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a series of measures to fight against COVID-19. He called for special attention to be paid to Africa by providing more medical materials, instruments and personnel support. This will certainly boost Africa's confidence in the fight against the pandemic, enhance Africa's ability to prevent and control the pandemic, and make significant contributions to the continent's early victory over COVID-19.

A Chinese proverb goes: "When brothers come together, there is nothing they cannot achieve." The history has proved that only by strengthening cooperation can China and Africa achieve the win-win goal and common development. In fighting against COVID-19, China and Africa have always supported each other and strengthened coordination, establishing a model of unity and cooperation for the international community. The friendship and cooperation between China and Africa are precious and need to be cherished by both sides.

The author is a research fellow of the China-Africa Institute and the executive editor-in-chief of the Journal of China-Africa Studies. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.