China's interest in Africa no 'threat' - US (Reuters/Xinhua) Updated: 2006-01-16 06:25
"While the Chinese enterprises are involved in resources exploitation in
Africa, they contribute to the continent's development at the same time," Wang
said.
Elaborating her viewpoint, she said that China refunds the profits it has
earned by reinvesting in infrastructure construction such as building power
stations.
"The investment has brought real benefits to people in Africa and the
continent as a whole," the researcher said.
"Unlike some western countries, China's cooperation with African countries is
based on boosting sustainable development in Africa," Wang said.
While developing oil, iron ore and mineral resources in Africa, China pays
much attention to protection of local environment, she said, adding, "We also
help train personnel in various fields in an effort to guarantee sustainable
development in Africa."
An Yongyu, president of the China Society for African Studies, said China
sticks to a policy of sustainable development. Consequently, it lays stress on
sustainable reproduction of resources in its cooperation with African countries.
For example, An said, when exploiting forest resources in Gabon,China adopted
a method of planting saplings at the same time to make it renewable.
Currently, many African-made products are sold "cheaply" due totheir
unfavorable position on the world market, causing huge losses to these
countries.
In energy cooperation with African countries, China purchased their products
at a reasonable price in international market in stead of forcing prices down,
said An, who used to serve as formerChinese ambassador to several African
countries.
"These examples show that China does attach importance to sustainable
development in Africa," An said.
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