When Chinese leaders are on overseas visits, the West
frowns.
When their destinations are developing countries, China is
grilled about the nature of its relationships or is openly
criticized for harboring evil intentions.
Premier Wen Jiabao's recently concluded seven-nation
Africa tour was greeted in just this way in some Western countries.
China's closer relations with the continent and sharper competitive
edge in the region have caused their concern.
On his visit, Premier Wen pledged to take steps to expand
economic and trade ties and help Africa by offering zero-tariff
treatment for some exports and increased aid and debt relief, while
at the same time helping to build infrastructure.
Bilateral trade between China and the continent soared to
US$39.74 billion last year. It was a mere US$12 million in the
1950s when ties were first established.
China's increased presence on the continent from building roads
to increasing trade is being hyped up in the Western media as
evidence of China's "economic colonialism."
They cook up stories about China's increased investment in oil
and non-ferrous metals in Africa and play up the "threat" of
China's textile exports or the "menace" to the local economy of
China's imports of raw materials and its exports of manufacturing
products.
The reality is somewhat different.
China and South Africa signed a landmark trade deal on
Wednesday, which will restrict Chinese textile exports to South
Africa.
South African Vice-President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka agreed that
the textile agreement is "proof in our relations that we are
willing to walk an extra mile."
The allegations of Chinese "colonialism" are designed to sow
discord between China and Africa.
As everyone knows, Western powers colonized Africa and looted
its resources China did not. There are no historical feuds or
conflicts of interest between China and African countries. China
has never tried to force African countries to copy its model of
development. Chinese aid to Africa comes with no political strings
attached, evidence of this can be found throughout the entire
continent.
The United Nations has encouraged China's economic involvement
in Africa. Under the auspices of the global body, the China-Africa
Business Council opened, with its headquarters in China, to boost
trade and development.
Africa is still a continent that is new to Chinese companies.
Due to the West's long colonial past, Western companies have
established a network of links and market privileges in Africa.
Though it is true that China now requires resources to sustain
its rapid growth, its economic success can be turned into an
opportunity for Africa.
The newly proposed co-operation between China and Africa is
wide-ranging, covering politics and economics. Given the right mix
of political will and sense of unity, it can meet the developmental
aspirations of the respective peoples.
(China Daily June 26, 2006)
