FM says attacks on Africa aid misplaced

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi countered criticism on Thursday alleging that Chinese aid had contributed to a massive increase in African countries' debt. On the contrary, he said, China is helping the continent seek independent and sustainable economic growth.

Wang spoke at a joint news conference with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Workneh Gebeyehu in Addis Ababa during his visit to Ethiopia, the first stop of his five-day Africa trip, which started on Wednesday and will also take him to Burkina Faso, Gambia and Senegal.

Debt in Africa has been a stubborn issue left over from history, Wang said, noting that it didn't just suddenly appear, and it was not caused by China.