Two Mirrors to Observe Africa-China Cooperation

Africa-China cooperation fits the strategic objectives and development needs of both Africa and China. In the new era, as cooperation partner for Africa, Chinese assistance for African development can be observed through two mirrors: one being the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the other being Africa-China economic and trade relations.
From the end of 1963 to the beginning of 1964, Premier Zhou Enlai led a delegation to Africa. Ever since then, the principles of equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs have been the essence of China’s African policy.
However, due to competing interests, Western countries have often given comments that demonize China’s motives in Africa in recent years. It is clear that the African policies of Europe and America are all related to organized economic and political interests rather than supported by binding moral ethics.
Chinese working in Africa do not have to be burdened with the legacy of former imperialism like Westerners. China and Africa can and have established a relationship different from that between Africa and the West. Such a relationship fits the strategic objectives and development needs of both Africa and China. In the new era, as cooperation partner for Africa, China’s assistance for African development can be observed through two mirrors: one being the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the other being Africa-China economic and trade relations.
Since its launching in 2000, FOCAC has become a major institutionalized platform and carrier for China-Africa cooperation in political, economic, social, cultural and technological areas. The experience, philosophy and logic of FOCAC have provided practical concept and operational framework for lasting cooperation of the two sides. It is free from the rigid customs and deep-rooted asymmetries of the Western model of relations with Africa, providing a unique alternative paradigm for cooperation. FOCAC is a unique platform in the “461”China-Africa cooperation framework and will play an important role in Africa-China relationship which is upgrading all the time.
In terms of Africa-China economic and trade relations, China is not only an export market for African countries, but also their investor and contractor and the party offering assistance. For Africa, the role China now plays also embodies a kind of “soft power”. In my view, Africa-China cooperation is an important driving force for sustained economic development of Africa in recent years. This driving force becomes all the more important when Western countries are cutting their pledges to Africa due to international financial crisis.
Through these two mirrors we can see that economic growth and vigorous development of Africa has been consolidated in its cooperation with China. This effect has been quite obvious after the launching of FOCAC and in the upgrading of Africa-China economic and trade relations. Currently, all countries of FOCAC have the unique opportunities to pursue their development agenda featuring peace, democracy, security and human-centered approach. As far as Africa is concerned, it is imperative for countries on the continent to make concerted efforts to develop the economy, promote more inclusive political agenda, improve the legal environment, and avoid wars and conflicts. Governments must shoulder more responsibilities and realize their original goal of development for the people.
All in all, as development partners, Africa and China aim far beyond short and medium term interests. China-Africa cooperation is a lasting commitment.
(The author is a visiting scholar in the School of International Relations of Pretoria University of South Africa) (Source: People’s Daily)

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