Economic and trade ties between China and Africa have developed rapidly in recent years. China has been expanding economic, cultural, educational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with Africa for several years. China is also involved in the public health programs of African countries. There are a number of reasons for China’s attraction for African governments. Firstly, China has provided Africa with an alternative to the western model. Secondly, China has won the admiration of many African leaders by respecting the sovereignty of African countries and staying out of their internal affairs. Last but not least, China has provided Africa with unconditional financial and technological support, and won praise from Africa in return.

China has worked to promote peace and development in Africa. For example, China participated in the peacekeeping operations in Mali and South Sudan in accordance with the UN framework. Thus, China makes an impact on Africa and this impact helps increase its long-term investment and aid in Africa and promotes its economic, cultural and scientific exchanges.

Some western criticism of China’s policy towards Africa has its roots in the fear that China will colonize Africa, just as the western countries did in the past. Our government will not colonize Africa and this concern is truly misguided.

The African countries have the right and responsibility to explore their own development paths in the light of their own conditions, and give priority to economic growth, poverty alleviation, infrastructure construction, and improving standards of living in their own countries. The governments of African countries should keep an independent mind when dealing with global issues and their relations with China.

 The article was edited and translated from 《非洲视中国如兄弟》，author: Israel Cody Aka, a researcher at the African Intelligence and consulting institute, source : People's Daily