Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa review an honor guard during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing ahead of the Forum on China and Africa Cooperation, on September 2, 2024. (AP)

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted over two dozen African leaders, pledging cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and education at a banquet held in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the country's largest summit in years.

China is the second-largest economy in the world and Africa's primary trading partner, investing in the continent's assortment of natural resources, including gold, lithium, and rare earth minerals.

Beijing has also contributed to aiding some African countries in constructing necessary infrastructure through the provision of billions in loans.

'True friend of Africa'

Chinese media described the leader as a "true friend of Africa," saying Beijing's relations have reached "new heights" after Xi hosted twenty-five African leaders at this week's China-Africa forum.

The president and his wife Peng Liyuan welcomed the leaders as they arrived for dinner at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday evening. Additionally, state media depicted Xi talking with over a dozen of his African counterparts on the same day.

During a meeting with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu held on Tuesday, Xi emphasized the need for strong cooperation in the "development of infrastructure, energy, and mineral resources," state news agency Xinhua reported.

Xi also met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the same day, vowing to cooperate in "investment, trade, infrastructure, mineral resources" and other areas with Harare.

The Chinese president also expressed his support for Zimbabwe amid its struggle against "illegal sanctions" imposed by the United States in response to the African leader's corruption and human rights violations.

Pentagon official set to attend military forum in China: Reuters

The United States plans to send Michael Chase, the deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, to China’s premier annual security forum in mid-September, according to a US official who spoke to Reuters.

Chase’s participation, which has not been previously reported, is notable as he holds a more senior position than the US representative who attended last year’s Xiangshan Forum, although his rank aligns with the Pentagon’s historical norms for such events.

In 2019, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for China Chad Sbragia attended the forum. The official, who requested anonymity, indicated that Chase's expected attendance could suggest a move towards increased working-level engagement with China amid ongoing regional tensions.

Over 90 countries and international organizations are set to send delegations to the forum, scheduled for September 12-14 in Beijing, according to Chinese state media.

Last year, Washington sent Xanthi Carras, the China Country Director in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense, to the forum’s resumption after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Carras' lower rank compared to Chase and Sbragia marked a sign of improving military relations.