The Beijing Summit of the (FOCAC), held on Sept. 3-4, shows an "encouraging" approach of China to relations with Africa and its dedication to help .
'Five-No' Approach Encouraging
In Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at the opening ceremony of the summit on Monday, he announced China's "five-no" approach in its relations with Africa: no interference in African countries' pursuit of development paths that fit their national conditions; no interference in their internal affairs; no imposition of China's will on them; no attachment of political strings to assistance; and no seeking of selfish political gains in investment and financing cooperation.
McHenry Venaani, chairperson of the Trade Immigration and Customs portfolio in the Pan-African Parliament and Namibian Opposition leader, expressed his support for China's "no interference and no strings attached" policy to development aid and infrastructure funding in Africa.
"Announcement by President Xi that his country will support Africa with no strings attached is welcome and indeed a cornerstone of engagement between China, the second largest economy, and Africa," Venaani said. "Whatever aid China is giving to Africa for economic growth and infrastructure development is timely as Africa needs a partner for growth currently."
China proves to be Africa's all-weather friend, said Hoze Riruako, political analyst and political science lecturer at the University of Namibia.
"For a long time Africa has been looking for a partner who comes in a mutually beneficial relationship and China has proven to be that partner," said Riruako, referring to the "five-no" approach as "encouraging."
Stephen Ndegwa, a public policy lecturer at the United States International University Africa based in Kenya, described China as "a genuine development partner" for Africa.
"China has chosen to let African countries chart their own course towards an ideally unique African continent with its own social, economic and political identity," he said.
China and Africa share a very solid cooperation relationship, said Sudheendra Kulkarni, ex-chairman of Observer Research Foundation, an Indian think tank.
The "five-no" approach, a brand-new international cooperation pattern, means China-Africa cooperation is based on equality and mutual respect, Kulkarni said.
Important Achievements
The FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2019-2021) was adopted at the summit to confirm that China and Africa will comprehensively enhance pragmatic cooperation focusing on the implementation of the eight major initiatives — industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, capacity building, health care, people-to-people exchange, and peace and security.
(Source: Xinhua)
