Blueprint for future of brotherhood with Africa

That President Xi Jinping pledged $60 billion in development aid for African countries took many by surprise. After all, it is triple the amount China promised at the last China-Africa cooperation summit, and comes at a time when the Chinese economy is slowing.

However, it is in line with the ambitious 10-area cooperation blueprint Xi unveiled in Johannesburg to help industrialize African economies, modernize local agriculture, upgrade local infrastructure, improve public health and eradicate poverty on the continent.

Such a commitment is essential given Xi's promise of adherence to the principles of "sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith" in the country's Africa policies and achieving the "right balance between upholding principles and pursuing benefits".