By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

China has announced the complete removal of tariffs on imports from all African countries, according to a report by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The move is part of the newly introduced China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development; a strategic framework aimed at accelerating Africa’s integration into global trade.

The initiative seeks to boost market access, streamline customs procedures, and strengthen institutional trade capacity across the continent.

This policy marks a broader effort by Beijing to support Africa’s industrialisation, diversify its import base, and deepen economic ties with African nations beyond raw material exports.

President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s commitment to offering zero-tariff treatment for all African exports.

He noted that the arrangement would be complemented by enhanced cooperation in customs, quarantine, logistics, and capacity building.

Additionally, China pledged to support training programmes and promote greater visibility for high-quality African products in its domestic market.

In 2024, trade between China and Africa reached nearly $300 billion, solidifying China’s position as the continent’s largest trading partner.

Analysts say the new tariff policy could also strengthen the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), by fostering intra-African production and export diversification.

The initiative is expected to open up new opportunities for value-added goods and services across Africa, further integrating the continent into global supply chains.

By Omoniyi David

China has called on its citizens in Iran and Israel to evacuate immediately amid escalating hostilities between the two Middle Eastern powers, while accusing former U.S. President Donald Trump of inflaming the crisis.

In an online advisory issued on Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Tehran urged its nationals to “leave the country as soon as possible” due to the worsening security situation. “The Chinese Embassy in Iran has coordinated with Iranian authorities to assist with outbound travel,” the statement read.

Simultaneously, the Chinese government accused Trump of “pouring oil” on the conflict following his warning to Tehran residents to evacuate and his call for Iran to return to nuclear negotiations.

Beijing urged countries with significant influence, implicitly referring to the U.S. to act responsibly and help de-escalate the situation.

Tensions flared after Israel launched a surprise aerial assault on Iranian targets last week, citing the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons; an ambition Tehran continues to deny. The attacks disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations and triggered retaliatory strikes from Iran, including a fresh barrage of rockets on June 17 that prompted air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

AFP journalists reported loud explosions over both cities as residents took shelter in parking garages and basements.

In response to the escalating violence, China’s embassy in Israel also issued an evacuation notice to its citizens.

“The Chinese mission in Israel urges Chinese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible via land borders, provided they can ensure their safety,” the embassy stated on WeChat, adding that travel through Jordan is recommended.

“The conflict continues to escalate. Much civilian infrastructure has been damaged, casualties are mounting, and the security situation is increasingly dire,” the embassy warned.

The latest round of violence, fueled by decades of animosity and regional power struggles, has heightened fears of a broader war in the Middle East. China has called for immediate international efforts to reduce tensions and avoid further destabilization.

By Anifowoshe Oladipupo

At least 51 Palestinians were killed and over 200 others injured on Tuesday after Israeli tank shellfire struck a crowd waiting for aid in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry.

Medical sources reported that more than 20 of the wounded were in critical condition.

The Israeli military has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

Eyewitnesses said Israeli tanks fired at least two shells into a large group of people gathered to receive humanitarian assistance.

At Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, overwhelmed medical workers were forced to treat victims on the floor and in corridors due to overcrowded wards.

This incident is the latest in a series of deadly strikes on civilians seeking aid in Gaza.

On Monday, local health officials reported that 23 people were shot dead near a distribution site operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), in Rafah.

The GHF, in a statement, said it had distributed over three million meals across four sites without prior incident. There has been no comment from the Israeli military regarding Monday’s shooting.

In past events, the military has acknowledged firing near aid locations, often blaming Hamas militants for triggering the violence.

Israel has assigned much of the aid distribution in Gaza to the GHF, which operates under the protection of Israeli forces.

However, the United Nations has criticized the plan as inadequate and dangerous, arguing it violates core principles of humanitarian neutrality and impartiality.

The current conflict erupted in October 2023, following a surprise attack by Hamas militants that killed about 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of roughly 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources.

In retaliation, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign that has since killed nearly 55,000 Palestinians, displaced almost the entire population of Gaza, and deepened an already dire hunger crisis, the Gaza health ministry reports.

The war has drawn international condemnation, including accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and war crimes at the International Criminal Court allegations Israel strongly denies.