Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stated in Cape Town on Wednesday that
China pursues no selfish interest in Africa but equality and mutual
benefit.
Addressing a press conference held in Cape Town, the visiting
Chinese premier said that China had never taken one inch of land on
the continent in its long history with Africa.
Wen said that Africa was subject to more than 600 years of
colonial rule while China was also subject to more than 100 years
of foreign aggression.
"There is no selfish interest for China to pursue in... Africa,"
Wen said, adding that China gave valuable support to African
countries in their struggle against colonial rule and national
liberation.
Wen, who arrived here on Wednesday afternoon, said that China
provided more than 900 infrastructure projects to African
countries, including a railway line between Tanzania and
Zambia.
China also dispatched 16,000 medical doctors to African
countries and they provided medical treatment to 240 million people
in the African continent.
In its dealings with Africa, he added, China adheres to the
principles of equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in
countries' internal affairs.
"We encourage African countries to improve democracy and the
rule of law and to maintain social justice and equality. We have
full confidence the African people have the ability to properly
handle their own affairs," he said.
South African President Thabo Mbeki hailed the long-standing
ties between China and Africa, which he described as a history of
comradeship and support. This included China's backing for various
independence struggles.
"China has (always) insisted that its own involvement in the
continent will be determined by what Africans themselves wanted,"
Mbeki said.
"I have absolutely no doubt that China will consistently respond
positively to such matters as the African continent will place on
the agenda."
China's bilateral relationship was a matter between itself and
its partners, Mbeki added.
(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2006)