Spirit of cooperation can aid African development

In November 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao described the first China-Africa summit as an "historic event". The event marked China's increasing interest in Africa with the summit conclusion underlining the concept "of building a new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa based upon political equality, mutual trust, economic co-operation, the win-win scenario and cultural exchanges."

As China's rapid expansion continues, Africa is seen as a land rich in raw materials and energy resources. Trade between the two continents is expected to reach $100 billion annually by 2010.

Many African states consider China easy to do business with. For example, there are no political conditions attached to trade. This leaves certain people in Europe and elsewhere concerned that - over the long term - such a policy will not encourage the resolution of conflicts on the continent or promote human rights. Yet importantly, China's strategy reminds us that African countries need to find their own solutions to their own political problems.