China is "seized by a strong sense of responsibility" as African people have chosen it as partners for cooperation,Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said Tuesday.

As a developing country, China is willing to work with African countries for a bright future, Yang said at a press conference held on the sidelines of the country's annual parliamentary session. [More about the press conference]

Yang said that some say China's influence in Africa is on the rise, but it's actually the international consensus that Africa faces great development opportunities is on the rise.

Yang urged the international community to work together to actively support Africa's peaceful development, and to support Africa in uniting and resolving the regional issues independently. He also called for support for African countries to build up their ability for independent development and to play a greater role in safeguarding their rights and interests in international affairs.