China policy 'consistent'

China will not go back on its support for African countries despite changes in world or local conditions, a top Chinese Foreign Ministry official for Africa said.

"China's Africa policy is consistent," said Lu Shaye, director-general of the Department of African Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. "It will not change due to the changes in international and domestic financial situations in either China or Africa."

Lu spoke at a meeting with nine senior African journalists who are taking part in the China-Africa Media Program organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the China Public Diplomacy Association.

China attaches importance to its relationship with Africa and will continue to step up its cooperation with Africa in all fields, Lu says.

Lu cited the 2008 international financial crisis as an example, saying China's assistance to Africa did not change despite the crisis.

China delivered on its 2009 promise made during the Fourth China-Africa Ministerial Conference held in Egypt to provide $10 billion in loans on favorable terms within three years to African countries under a package called New Eight Measures.

Again in 2012, when specter of the financial crisis still hung over the global economy and the Chinese economy was confronted with a slowdown, China promised during the Fifth China-Africa Ministerial Conference help Africa in five areas, including the financial sector.

By September last year, Lu said, the Chinese government had provided $10 billion out of the $20 billion it promised in 2012 in favorable-term loans to Africa within three years.

"Stepping up unity and cooperation with African countries has been the firm policy and strategic choice of China," Lu said. "Let me assure you, my African friends, China will always be Africa's reliable partner and friend."

The relationship helps both sides, Lu said. "China has benefited a lot because our cooperation is for win-win results."

China has benefited from Africa's natural resources, and Africa has also benefited in many ways, including infrastructure development, which is essential to its economic development, he said.

Lu added that the prices of Africa's resources had increased in the international market as a result of China's help, financial support to promote the continent's development.

China's presence in Africa has stimulated the interest of other major countries, Lu said, adding that before that, such countries often considered Africa as a continent of despair and hopelessness.

"But now, with China's presence in Africa, these major countries have realized that Africa is a continent of limitless business opportunities. This is a promised land. So this is the meaning of China-Africa cooperation. It has created multi-win results."

For China Daily

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/05/2014 page3)