Xi’an Seminar: Dr. Badra Gaaloul’s Tunisian Vision for a Sovereign and United Africa in Partnership with China

Department of Research, Studies and International News25-08-2025

Dr. Badra Gaâloul reflects on the Xi’an seminar, praising China’s achievements in food and social security. She calls for deeper, respectful cooperation between China and Africa, emphasizing mutual benefit and cultural alignment. She supports the Xi’an Think Tank’s follow-up initiative and proposes future meetings to strengthen ties.

Fifty African experts (university professors, directors of research institutes, presidents of think tanks, etc.) participated in the seminar on Chinese-style Modernization and Africa’s Development, held from July 17 to 24, 2025, in Shaanxi Province, China. Upon returning to their respective countries, some agreed to contribute to our column “Three Questions for Participants of the Xi’an Seminar.” Today, we are joined by the Representative of Tunisia, Dr. Badra Gaâloul.

Hello Dr. Badra Gaaloul, you are Tunisia’s representative at the Xi’an seminar on “Chinese-style Modernization and Africa’s Development.” Please introduce yourself and share your impressions following this major event focused on implementing the six key objectives and ten strategic partnership actions between China and Africa.

I am Dr. Badra Gaâloul, President of the International Center for Strategic, Security and Military Studies. This is not my first visit to China—I’ve participated in many seminars, conferences, and training programs, and I’ve visited several Chinese cities. Each time, I discover something new and beautiful.

That said, the Xi’an seminar was exceptional because I had the opportunity to meet my African brothers and sisters. With fifty participants, each representing a different African country, it felt as though the entire continent was present. Strengthening our intra-African connections is incredibly valuable. Sino-African cooperation, whether bilateral or multilateral, holds great promise.

At the end of the seminar, I was particularly impressed by China’s progress in food security. Food security is essential to a nation’s independence. As you know, African countries are striving—often against great odds—to free themselves from Western colonial legacies, whether political, economic, nutritional, cultural, or civilizational. In this regard, Sino-African cooperation is mutually beneficial—a true win-win partnership.

Alongside the seminar, we visited centers and enterprises that reflect Chinese-style modernization. Beyond food security, I was deeply moved by China’s efforts to ensure social and even family-level security. In Xi’an, we visited a care center for the elderly, and I was touched by the attention and respect the Chinese government and people show toward senior citizens. This sense of family solidarity and the value placed on parents and grandparents resonated deeply with me, as it mirrors African family values. That’s why the Xi’an seminar will remain etched in my memory—because of the richness of the exchanges and the sharing of experiences with both our Chinese hosts and fellow Africans.

What proposals do you have for a people-centered Sino-African cooperation, from Tunisia’s perspective?

I emphasized this throughout the seminar and have written about it often. We must strengthen Sino-African cooperation and improve our channels of communication. Tunisia, as part of North Africa, holds a significant geopolitical and geostrategic position. We need to deepen our cooperation with China because it aligns with our principles. China is not a colonizing power. It does not seek to dominate or colonize African nations. It respects our peoples and our choices. That’s why we must work with China based on mutual respect, mutual benefit, friendship, and sincerity.

What are your thoughts on the Xi’an Think Tank initiative for follow-up on the seminar?

The Xi’an Think Tank initiative is commendable and worthy of full support. In fact, I proposed within the group that we hold a webinar soon for all fifty seminar participants. It would be an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve gained after a week of conferences and guided visits. We could use it to share proposals and suggestions for a more people-centered Sino-African cooperation. I would also propose that our Chinese friends be included. Additionally, I suggest organizing a China–Africa meeting in an African country. We could select a host nation to continue our reflections on building a shared future between China and Africa.

Interview by Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI / Special envoy to Xi’an