China is pursuing a mutually beneficial relationship with Africa, in contrast to the West’s colonial exploitation of the continent, state-run press said on Monday following President Hu Jintao’s eight-nation tour.
The 12-day visit cemented ties that were favourable to both sides, the official China Daily newspaper said, rejecting charges that Beijing was using the resource-rich continent to fuel its own fast-paced development.
”Developing cooperation with African countries with no political strings attached, China is ready to share its experience in development,” the newspaper said in an editorial.
”At the same time Hu has stressed that China has learned from Africa and shared economic gains were made. It is a win-win situation, in contrast to earlier colonial exploitation of the continent.”
Hu returned to Beijing on Sunday after visiting Cameroon, Liberia, Sudan, Zambia, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and the Seychelles Islands.
Charges that China was plundering the continent for oil and natural resources dogged Hu’s visit, while some African nations voiced concern over China’s trade power.
China was also accused of ignoring human rights in its dealings with nations such as Sudan, an important source of oil for China but accused by Washington of being involved in genocide in its Darfur region.
The China Daily said Hu’s visit reflected the higher priority China had now placed on Africa.
”The continent is high on the agenda of China diplomacy. Since 1991, Chinese foreign ministers have visited African countries every year,” it said.
”With the latest visit to eight African nations, Hu has not only kept up the country’s diplomatic ties, but taken a major step forward in elevating bilateral relations.”
Prior to the start of the tour China promised to write off debts owed by 33 African countries and on each stop Hu handed out generous loans and grants and promised to boost trade. – Sapa-AFP