The Mechanisms,Actions And Challenges Of Sino-AU Cooperation From The Perspective Of Multilateralism

Currently,with the rise of populism in the United States and the pandemic of Covid-2019 in the world,multilateralism is facing several challenges.In the meantime,the developing countries have become the major force to safeguard multilateralism.China’s attitude towards multilateralism has undergone a transformation from a limited participant to an active supporter,and then the participant and builder.The world is facing a period of major change that’s rarely seen in a century,no matter what these changes bring,China regards multilateralism as its basic principle and core value,which means China adhere to respect common international rules and regulations,solve the differences and problems with countries appropriately through consultations and dialogues,stick to mutual respect and equality principle to promote mutual benefit and win-win result.As Africa’s largest international integration organization,the African Union has played a vital role in regional integration,economic development as well as the well-being of people.Since its creation in 2002,the African Union upholds the value principle of multilateralism,such as enhance the cooperation with eight regional economic communities and establish partnerships with great powers,emerging countries and international organizations.Under the new historical period,there are several factors which contribute to the cooperation between the AU and China.It includes the strategic coordination of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Belt and Road Initiative,economic and international affairs interests,common recognition of multilateralism.The two sides have established a series of multilateral cooperation mechanisms,including hard mechanisms such as substantive institutions mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union,as well as soft mechanisms such as various cooperation declarations.Remarkable results have been scored in multilateral cooperation in the areas of politics,economy,trade infrastructure construction,security,poverty alleviation,public health and infectious disease control and international affairs,which shows the characteristics of active participatory multilateralism that emphasizes both development and diplomacy.Although the African Union has played a landmark role in promoting regional integration in Africa,it faces some structural challenges,which would deter cooperation between China and AU.Western mainstream medias releases false news to attack China to shape the opinion of African people,African union cooperation mechanisms is getting more fragmented under the competitive multilateralism.In addition.the AU’s capacity to coordinate interests of members is insufficient because of the shortage of fund.Even with many challenges,it is foreseeable that the African Union will still play an increasingly important role in the world,the future prospects for cooperation between China and the African Union are promising.