He emphasised the need for China and Africa to work more closely to defend multilateralism and fairness in global trade, stating that the world is entering a dangerous period of uncertainty and geopolitical tension.
Xue made the remarks on April 15, 2025, in Beijing during a high-level seminar hosted by the China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU), under the theme 'Building a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.'
The event brought together African and Chinese diplomats, scholars, policymakers, and young leaders to explore deeper cooperation between the two regions in diplomacy, education, security, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
Reaffirming China's opposition to economic coercion, Xue warned that 'hegemony, decoupling supply chains, building trade barriers, and using tariffs as weapons' are destabilising global trade.
His comments come in the wake of renewed trade tensions between China and the United States, including a controversial move by President Donald Trump to impose a whopping 145% tariff on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs of up to 125%. Many economists and diplomats have warned that the tit-for-tat exchange marks a major escalation in the ongoing trade war, raising fears of deeper disruption to global supply chains and financial markets.
'Global instability and uncertainty are on the rise. The world is, again, at a critical juncture,' Xue said.
'We need to jointly shoulder historical responsibilities and advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation. China is ready to work with Africa to remember history, forge ahead together, and jointly uphold the basic rules of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.'
Xue's message aligns with China's broader diplomatic agenda of building a 'Community with a Shared Future for Mankind'â€"a concept rooted in mutual benefit, non-interference, and collective progress, especially among developing nations. The seminar provided a platform to align that vision with Africa's aspirations for inclusive growth and modernisation.
The event was hosted by the China Foreign Affairs University, a premier institution directly under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. Known for training the country's top diplomats, CFAU plays a key role in shaping international dialogue and global policy through research and education.
It is part of China's 'Double First-Class' university initiative and houses the Research Centre on Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, which is dedicated to advancing China's global diplomatic narrative.
Speaking during the seminar, Paul Kamweru Ndungu, Director General of the Foreign Service Academy of Kenya, underscored the importance of preparing African diplomats for emerging global challenges.
'Diplomats must be prepared and equipped with sound knowledge, strategies, and the right skills to handle the complex and shifting diplomatic environment, so they can remain relevant and effective in addressing 21st-century problems,' he said.
'We are at the doorstep of a new future, and as we go into that future, we must be ready to confront every obstacle... every challengeâ€"and we must remain strong and united for the good of the China-Africa community with a shared future, and for the good of all of us,' he added.
CFAU President Professor Wang Fan expressed optimism about the future of China-Africa cooperation, describing it as essential for building a better world.
'To combat global challenges and jointly build a better world has received more and more recognition and support, especially from African countries and with more companies joining us. We will surely go further on this new journey. Building a community with a shared future is our shared dream, and modernisation is the path to turn that dream into reality.'
Christian Mugisha
