On February 15, 2013, China and the African Union (AU) held their fifth strategic dialogue. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma co-chaired the dialogue.

Yang said in recent years, the relations between China and the African Union have made significant progress with frequent contacts at various levels and fruitful mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. "As the AU joined in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, whose fifth ministerial conference launched a train of measures concerning cooperation with the AU, relations between the two sides now have a solid foundation," Yang said. China is willing to keep closer high-level exchanges and expand cooperation with the AU in a variety of fields, including infrastructure, agriculture, human resources and media. China and the AU should further coordination in international and regional affairs, in a bid to push China-AU, China-Africa ties to a new level and achieve win-win cooperation, Yang added.

Zuma made positive comments on the development of China-AU relations and thanked China for its enduring support on the cause of peace and development in Africa, noting that Africa regards China as a good friend and trustworthy partner. Africa would like to further strengthen cooperation with China on the affairs of peace and development in Africa. Africa is also ready to draw on China's experiences in working out long-term development plans, readjusting its economic structure and promoting its sustainable development, she said.

Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in Africa and other international and regional issues of common concern.