China claims "thriving" trade, but Africa's trade deficit has widened by 46%. Meanwhile, Chinese investment continues to grow with a heavy focus on minerals.
Beijing has been rapidly expanding its sea power ambitions in Africa by boosting its port infrastructure, including plans for a naval base in Equatorial Guinea.
Ukraine and Africa are on the agenda, and Pope Francis is expected to voice his concerns over artificial intelligence in the G7 leaders' conference in Italy.
FM Yoko Kamikawa visited 6 nations including Africa and other Global South countries during Golden Week to strengthen collaboration on FOIP and the rule of law.
China's foreign minister Wang Yi is the key decision-maker when it comes to China's relations with other countries, including Japan.
The rise of the renminbi will only give China more power to control the financial transactions of other countries and meddle in their economic sovereignty.
Global warming countermeasures are a pressing issue, but should be pursued while considering how to reduce poverty in order to achieve a sustainable society.
The historic agreement aims to reduce dependence on China for rare earth minerals while helping Africa also benefit as international supply chains diversify.
India is booming as the world's most populous country and has an economic growth rate of 7.2%, surpassing China's, in the fiscal year ending March 2023.
The African Union, as a collective, needs to tread cautiously while dealing with China and its clasping economic, political, and military/security influence.
PM Kishida reaffirmed his commitment to Japan's ongoing medical assistance to Ghana, which was made possible through the legacy of Dr Hideyo Noguchi.
Russia and China have been moving to increase their influence on the continent. Japan, having extended assistance to Africa for years, has room to counter this.
