By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - President Cyril Ramaphosa says he does not believe that China invests in countries on the African continent with the intention of putting them in debt.
“Our experience is that China seeks to promote a mutually beneficial relationship with countries it engages with on the continent,” the President said on Thursday in Beijing, China.
Addressing members of the media at the conclusion of his State Visit to the People’s Republic of China, he said President Xi Jinping demonstrated that China’s relationship with Africa was mutually beneficial when he upgraded the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“That has a lot of meaning politically... I don’t believe the relationship is oppressive, that it is neo colonial. It should be seen as a mutually beneficial relationship that is based on recognition, respect and advancing each county’s own development.
“China is much more focused on the development of countries on our continent. We must remember that China has never been a colonial power on the African continent. It is a relationship that is based on good intentions, and we respect that. That is why we are as African countries committed to enhancing our relationship with China.
“We can see genuineness, respect ... We see China as a partner that seeks to foster the development of our continent,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa welcomed the 10 strategic actions that China proposed to enhance its relationship with Africa. They range from economic relations, trade, health, security, energy and how Africa and China deal with each other at multilateral institutions level.
“The African continent found this most meaningful, and it just shows that the partnership that we have with China is a partnership that is based on mutual benefit where we want all of us to benefit and succeed.
“It’s not a one-way partnership. It’s a partnership that is based on upgrading our own relations to a point where we attract investments from China and improve trade.
“This has been a successful visit to China. We are grateful for the manner in which China conducts its relations not only with South Africa but the rest of the continent with recognition with respect and due regard to one another.
That is what we call good relations between states,” Ramaphosa said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Thursday that China will voluntarily and unilaterally widen its market to African countries. - SAnews.gov.za
