China and African countries have established strong ties and
joint efforts are being made to further solidify the relationship,
says a signed article in Guangming Website. An excerpt follows:
With a theme of "friendship, peace, co-operation and
development," the Beijing Summit of China-Africa Co-operation
will open tomorrow. This theme vividly summarizes the relationship
between China and Africa.
A cornerstone of the relationship between China and the African
countries is stable trade ties.
In 2005, the trade volume between the two parties reached
US$39.8 billion, with China's imports from Africa standing at
US$21.1 billion. Trade ties with China help the continent achieve
prosperity and merge into the world economy.
The popularity enjoyed by China among the African economies
originates from the kindness China has showed these countries.
China purchases resources from African countries at an open
price, which prevents the price from being too low. China waives
all import taxes on products from Ethiopia and 27 other least
developed African countries. China also gives diversified aid in
technology, agriculture, medical care and finance, which is very
useful to African countries that are in urgent need of these.
The forum embodies the two sides' belief in multipolarization
and their joint effort to create a harmonious world. These beliefs
will be an effective solution to settle the conflicts among
different cultures and different civilizations.
Admittedly, the ties also face challenges.
Some Western media accuse China of colonialism in Africa. This
is a manifestation of the "China threat theory," which is totally
ridiculous, but authorities should still take care to avoid casting
a shadow on China's relationship with African countries.
Chinese investors should also abide by local laws and
regulations and maintain their credibility in African countries.
Trade imbalances and other specific trade issues should be settled
under the framework of World Trade Organization agreements.
(China Daily November 3, 2006)
