Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad on Thursday rejected any notion that China has ”sinister motives” in Africa.
Briefing journalists in Pretoria and Cape Town, he said China’s involvement in Africa was relatively new.
”In all our discussions at the [recent] summit [Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing] and during the working visit immediately after the summit, the Chinese leadership made it clear that they could not sustain a relationship that resembled the traditional colonial one,” he said.
”If you look at the agreements reached at the summit, you will see that the Chinese do desire a sustainable relationship with Africa.
”But only time will tell; we have only now emerged from the summit. China does play a key role in the New Africa-Asia Strategic Partnership and has given South Africa the title of Strategic Partner.
”We will also endeavour to increase reciprocal bilateral visits to both countries.”
Pahad said China had also given the ”preferential tourist destination” status to more African countries, whereas South Africa was the only one given this title previously.
”I want to believe that the Chinese government realises that the relationship cannot just consist of receiving our raw materials. There must also be an element of beneficiation to ensure the sustainability of the relationship,” Pahad said. — Sapa