Namibia Minute.
Friday, 24 April 2026
A daily Namibian brief · Est. 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Person

Xi Jinping

Also known as: Xi · President Xi · Chinese President Xi Jinping · President Xi Jinping · China president · General Secretary Xi · Chairman Mao's successor · Chinese leader Xi Jinping · China's top leader

Chinese leader who held consecutive calls with Putin and Trump this week, amid purges of senior military generals from China's Central Military Commission.

World & Region

China and Pakistan offer peace plan for Iran conflict

The News

China has joined Pakistan in proposing a five-point plan to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East war, motivated by concerns that prolonged conflict threatens global economic stability and supplies to its industrial base. Beijing's move marks a diplomatic shift and comes ahead of trade talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.

1 April 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 1 April

  1. China and Pakistan offer peace plan for Iran conflict

    China has joined Pakistan in proposing a five-point plan to broker a ceasefire in the Middle East war, motivated by concerns that prolonged conflict threatens global economic stability and supplies to its industrial base. Beijing's move marks a diplomatic shift and comes ahead of trade talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump.

    1 April 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 17 March

  1. Middle East war drives oil prices above $100 per barrel

    Oil prices surged above US$106 a barrel as conflict in the region disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the International Energy Agency to coordinate the release of strategic oil reserves across Asia, Europe, and North America. Global energy ministers are meeting to address soaring prices and discuss measures including price caps and military operations to reopen critical shipping routes.

    17 March 2026 · New Era

Thursday 12 March

  1. US launches trade investigation into major partners

    The US has launched a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices by major trading partners including China, the EU, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexico, potentially leading to new tariffs by summer. The probe follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump's previous tariff policies and offers the administration a way to impose new levies on countries found to have engaged in unfair trade.

    12 March 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 11 March

  1. China grants zero-tariff access to 53 African countries from 2026

    China has announced zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries beginning May 1, 2026, a policy intended to enhance African exporters' competitiveness, support industrialization, and strengthen China-Africa relations through trade-led development rather than aid-dependent frameworks.

    11 March 2026 · New Era

  2. Chinese FM Wang Yi addresses Africa ties, Middle East, multipolarity

    At a Beijing press conference, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed China's commitment to deepening China-Africa friendship, called for a political settlement to the Middle East conflict, and outlined China's vision for a multipolar world built on equality and cooperation rather than hegemony.

    11 March 2026 · New Era

Thursday 5 March

  1. China sets lowest economic growth target since 1991

    China has announced an annual economic growth target of 4.5–5%, the lowest since 1991, as it faces domestic challenges including weak consumption, a shrinking population, and property crisis, alongside global trade tensions and energy pressures. The target, released during China's "two sessions" political gathering, signals a shift to more flexible goals while Beijing pursues investments in innovation, green energy, and efforts to boost household consumption.

    5 March 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 16 February

  1. Namibia among 53 African nations gaining China tariff-free access

    China will remove tariffs on imports from Namibia and all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective 1 May, according to an announcement by Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson. The policy expands an existing zero-tariff arrangement that currently covers 33 African countries and forms part of broader efforts to deepen trade and economic cooperation under the China-Africa Cooperation framework.

    16 February 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 5 February

  1. China's Xi holds rare back-to-back calls with Putin, Trump

    Chinese leader Xi Jinping held consecutive calls with Russia's Putin and US president Trump this week, a rare move analysts say demonstrates China positioning itself as equidistant between the two powers while securing trade commitments. The timing is seen as significant for projecting stability and Xi's global standing, particularly as China faces domestic political pressures.

    5 February 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 2 February

  1. Chinese ambassador promotes people-to-people exchanges with Namibia

    China's ambassador to Namibia held roundtable talks with local representatives to advance the 2026 China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as development, entrepreneurship, and media exchanges. Namibian visitors to China shared insights on modernisation initiatives and the tangible outcomes of Namibia–China partnership, including housing projects for police officers.

    2 February 2026 · New Era

Friday 30 January

  1. China pledges expanded support for Namibians in 2026

    China's ambassador announced that the country will increase support for Namibians during 2026 China-Africa activities under the theme "Year of People-to-People Exchanges," with 58 key activities planned including agriculture training, technology transfer, and educational exchanges. The initiative aims to strengthen economic, political, and social ties between China and African nations, with the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia welcoming the cooperation on urban planning and development.

    30 January 2026 · The Namibian

Namibia Minute