South African leader rebuts 'new colonialism' claim

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa rebutted claims that China was becoming Africa's new colonial power on Tuesday, saying "there is no new colonialism in Africa".

The detractors "are jealous of our relationship", which grew from the same historical experience of struggling against the forces of colonialism, Ramaphosa said during a group interview in Beijing ahead of his trip back to South Africa.

Calling China and Africa "trusted and meaningful partners", Ramaphosa said the two "have entered the golden age". The continent has embraced China's plan to boost trade and stimulate economic growth, he said.