China-Africa relationship a joint destiny

Historically China has an old relationship with African countries, and the trade factor is a sole means supporting the communication between the two sides. But recently the relations enter in a new phase full of mutual cooperation in all domains which promote the confidence between the Chinese government and African countries. However, the communication process has witnessed a great progress till it became a real partnership and a joint objective. The African countries have exerted an efforts due to develop the cooperation and make it as strategic goal. The ties between People's Republic of China and Africa were witnessing progress reflects the two sides determination and their serious work to carving out the mutual interests for their peoples who also contributed more and encourage the two sides to exert an efforts towards the historic relations. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during the opening ceremony of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dec. 4, 2015. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

The Chinese-African Cooperation Forum which established in 2000 in Beijing became an effective organ for the collective multiparty cooperation between China and Africa and it represents framework and important forum for equal and stable partnership based on mutual interest on the long run. China is giving due concern to the positive role played by the forum with regard to boosting political dialogue as well as realistic cooperation between china and Africa. People's Republic of China government implemented seriously the statement of the Chinese-African Cooperation Forum, which considered the backbone of enhancing the communication process in upcoming future. The Chinese–African Cooperation is a basic part of South- South cooperation, explaining that the unshakeable policy of the Chinese government is based on supporting solidarity and Cooperation with the African and other developing countries.

Over the past few decades, China's rapid economic growth and expanding middle class has fueled an unprecedented need for resources. The economic power house has focused on securing the long -term energy supplies needed to sustain its rapid industrialization, locking down sources of oil and other raw materials across the globe. As part of this efforts, China has turned to Africa. Through significant investment in a continent known for political and security risks, China has helped many African countries develop their nascent oil sectors in exchange for advantageous trade deals. At the same time, Beijing's complex relationship with the continent has challenged its noninterference policy in the affairs of African governments. China's rise and Africa's renaissance have gone hand in hand, creating a historic opportunity for the development of China-Africa relations. However, the international situation remains complex and competition among great powers in Africa has intensified. This brings many internal and external challenges to the China-Africa relationship. seizing opportunities, meeting challenges, and upgrading ties will continue to be major tasks, China's strategic to continue promoting South-South cooperation, and constantly enhance African governance capacities. South–South Cooperation is an important means tackling global imbalances. It is also a vital support in advancing China-Africa relations. The promotion and further development of South-South Cooperation must be based on improving the governance capabilities of African nations. In fact, the current developmental plight African societies face is this, how to choose a development path suitable for regional realities, how to achieve political and social stability in Africa, how to concentrate the superior resources of the region to participate in international competition and cooperation, and how to properly use favorable international factors to enhance Africa's own development capabilities.

The keys to enhancing governance capacities in Africa are achieving peace and stability, building strong and responsible governments, and exploring an effective development path, in this regard, there is tremendous scope for cooperation between China and Africa. In fact, African people have clearly expressed their ideas on exchanging experiences with China in state governance. China actively participate in Africa's peace –building, effectively securing Africa's international rights. Peace and stability in Africa are currently some of the most critical problems in the region, and also affect Africa's sustainable development. China can use its platform as UN Security Council permanent member to play a constructive role in UN peacekeeping in Africa which famous for the civil wars and complicated conflicts. In fact, China has deployed the largest number of peacekeeping forces among the permanent UN Security Council ( UNSC) members, making it an indispensable part of the African peacekeeping process. On the other hand, China needs to provide more assistance in promoting peace-building capabilities in Africa, such as technical support, staff training, and equipment. In other words, China should be an all-dimensional participant in the process of peace building in Africa, engaging in specific peacekeeping operation and helping African countries increase their own peace-building and peace-keeping capabilities.

Historically, the China-Africa friendship was built on the foundations of political equality and mutual support and respect. Today, China has the ability to safeguard the legitimate rights of African countries in international affairs. Beyond that, China should play an active role in enhancing the voice and representation rights of African countries in international organizations. For example China can clearly and persistently support Africa efforts to join as permanent members of the UN Security Council and increase their weight in the IMF, World Bank, and other institutions. This is not only an important means of balancing global power distribution, it is significant manifestation of China's African responsibility. Combining principles and innovation to ensure the sustainable, healthy and stable development of relations.

To lay a solid foundation for the ongoing development of China-Africa relations, the Chinese -African relations, the Chinese government needs to establish confidence in its African diplomacy. In fact, compared to other countries, China has some advantages in this regard. First, China -Africa relations have a clear direction. At the 2006 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China -Africa Cooperation Chinese and African leaders jointly proposed the construction of a China-Africa New strategic partnership, the core of which is political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win Cooperation, and cultural exchanges and mutual learning. The partnership is based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, tolerance and mutual learning, which is in time with Africa's development interests and has a lasting vitality. Such as a clear strategic vision provides an important political assurance for the smooth and steady development of bilateral relations. Second, China–Africa relations have a clear development road map - China's new administration has specific African policy initiative. For instance, China will continue to expand investment and financing cooperation with Africa and provide 30 billion dollars in loan credits to Africa in three years, and take part in cross-border and inter-regional African infrastructure construction. China will train 30,000 African professional in various sectors, after 18,000 government scholarships, and take steps to improve the content and quality of the training programs in three years. Beijing has promised to grant zero-tariff treatment to 97 percent of exports from least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. These specific policies provide important advantages for Africa's infrastructure construction, personnel training, capital accumulation, and trade with China, which also helps strengthen China-Africa relations.

Third, the Chinese government has always positioned safeguarding the interests of developing countries, including African countries, as fundamental aspect of China's diplomacy something that has earned it moral superiority in Africa. On March 28, 2013 in Durban, South Africa, President Xi Jinping speech at a breakfast meeting with African leaders, clearly stating that china will always be steadfast defender of Africa's peace and stability a firm promoter of African prosperity and development, a staunch supporter of African Unity for self-development, and firm supporter for Africa's equal participation in international affairs. This clearly defined China's policy towards relations with Africa, while bolstering its image as a responsible power change is a constant, and China's African policy is no exception as Xi said : To maintain the vitality of China-Africa relations, we must advance with the times. while adhering to the principals of mutual respects, equality mutual benefits, and win-win cooperation , China's Africa policy needs innovation that keeps pace with international realities and African and Chinese capabilities. The vitality of China's Africa strategy depends on constantly updating its policies and the institutionally mechanisms of relations, while combining China's national interests and Africa's development interests. This will maintain vigor and ensure that the relationship continues to grow.

(Sudan News Agency)