Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao stated in Cape Town on
Thursday that China has endeavored to provide assistance without
any political strings attached to African brothers and sisters.
The Chinese premier made the statement while addressing more
than 800 Chinese and South African business people at a business
forum held in Cape Town.
Wen Jiabao stressed: "We do not seek to export our own values
and development models to Africa."
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of
diplomatic relations between China and African countries.
"Over these years, we the Chinese and Africans have supported
each other in the fight for national sovereignty and dignity,
worked hand in hand in the pursuit of economic development and
better livelihood, and maintained close coordination in the cause
of upholding world peace and safeguarding the rights and interests
of the developing world," Wen added.
According to the premier, China has completed some 900 projects
of economic and social development in Africa, provided scholarship
for 18,000 students from 50 African countries to study in China and
sent 16,000 medical personnel to 47 African countries, who have
treated 240 million patients.
Wen said that over 3,000 Chinese peacekeepers have been involved
in peacekeeping operations in hot-spot areas in Africa.
"China also actively promotes trade with Africa, helps ease its
debt burden, supports regional cooperation and helps Africa to
achieve self-development," he added.
The Chinese premier stressed: "Mutual support is a key feature
underlying China-Africa relations, and we in China will never
forget Africa's support to China."
Over the decades, Africa has always firmly supported China on
major issues involving China's national interests, especially the
restoration of China's lawful seat in the United Nations, the
Taiwan issue and human rights.
Wen said that China also received Africa's support in its
successful bid for hosting the 2008 Olympics and 2010 World
Expo.
"I am firm in the conviction that no matter how our world may
change, the friendly ties between the Chinese and Africans will
last," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2006)