When Chinese leaders are on overseas visits, the West frowns.

When their destinations are developing countries, China is grilled about the nature of its relationships or is openly criticized for harboring evil intentions.

Premier Wen Jiabao's recently concluded seven-nation Africa tour was greeted in just this way in some Western countries. China's closer relations with the continent and sharper competitive edge in the region have caused their concern.

On his visit, Premier Wen pledged to take steps to expand economic and trade ties and help Africa by offering zero-tariff treatment for some exports and increased aid and debt relief, while at the same time helping to build infrastructure.

Bilateral trade between China and the continent soared to US$39.74 billion last year. It was a mere US$12 million in the 1950s when ties were first established.

China's increased presence on the continent from building roads to increasing trade is being hyped up in the Western media as evidence of China's "economic colonialism."

They cook up stories about China's increased investment in oil and non-ferrous metals in Africa and play up the "threat" of China's textile exports or the "menace" to the local economy of China's imports of raw materials and its exports of manufacturing products.

The reality is somewhat different.

China and South Africa signed a landmark trade deal on Wednesday, which will restrict Chinese textile exports to South Africa.

South African Vice-President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka agreed that the textile agreement is "proof in our relations that we are willing to walk an extra mile."

The allegations of Chinese "colonialism" are designed to sow discord between China and Africa.

As everyone knows, Western powers colonized Africa and looted its resources China did not. There are no historical feuds or conflicts of interest between China and African countries. China has never tried to force African countries to copy its model of development. Chinese aid to Africa comes with no political strings attached, evidence of this can be found throughout the entire continent.

The United Nations has encouraged China's economic involvement in Africa. Under the auspices of the global body, the China-Africa Business Council opened, with its headquarters in China, to boost trade and development.

Africa is still a continent that is new to Chinese companies. Due to the West's long colonial past, Western companies have established a network of links and market privileges in Africa.

Though it is true that China now requires resources to sustain its rapid growth, its economic success can be turned into an opportunity for Africa.

The newly proposed co-operation between China and Africa is wide-ranging, covering politics and economics. Given the right mix of political will and sense of unity, it can meet the developmental aspirations of the respective peoples.

(China Daily June 26, 2006)