Beijing won't follow path taken by past major powers: FM
China will strengthen cooperation with Africa to help the continent's industrialization, food security, public health and disease prevention, the Chinese foreign minister said Thursday.
Calling Africa "the foundation of the foundation" in Chinese diplomacy, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at the 15th Lanting Forum that the forthcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg will help lead the development of China-Africa relations, which is expected to enter a new stage.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will make a State visit to South Africa and chair the FOCAC from December 2 to 5.
This year's summit will focus on improving people's livelihood, reducing poverty and investing in the least developed countries and on women and children, according to Wang.
China will help Africa achieve self-reliance and create a peaceful and stable environment for its long-term interests, Wang said, noting that China does not attach conditions to assistance, nor does it constrain or interfere in the domestic affairs of African countries.
"China will not follow the path taken by past major powers and will not sacrifice Africa's environment and long-term interests," Wang stressed.
"Anyone wearing tinted glasses or making remarks on China-Africa cooperation with ulterior motives in the face of the overwhelming facts will be powerless," he said.
"The [FOCAC] summit will send a strong signal to the international community on the importance, respect and support China gives to Africa. We hope that will make the international community more confident and invest more in Africa," the minister said, adding that China is willing to work with other parties for Africa's development.
South Africa's ambassador to China, Dolana Msimang, said China is the continent's best partner and Africa needs Chinese investments.
Aside from trade and investments, China and African countries can exchange governance experiences, as the voices of both China and Africa should be heard on major issues, Liu Hongwu, director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, said at the Lanting Forum.
Liu told the Global Times that China-Africa cooperation can turn the world order into one that will allow developing countries a greater role in global peace and development.
The sound development of China and African nations can show the world that public well-being and economic development will also be manifestations of democracy, according to Li.
