China\u2019s ambassador to the U.S., Qin Gang, reaffirmed Beijing\u2019s vision for Africa as a platform for \u2018international cooperation\u2019 rather than geopolitical competition during a keynote dialogue at the Semafor Africa Summit. \u2018Africa should not be a battleground for major-power rivalry,\u2019 he stated, emphasizing China\u2019s commitment to infrastructure development and \u2018win-win\u2019 partnerships on the continent.
Addressing long-standing accusations of a \u2018debt trap,\u2019 Qin asserted that China\u2019s financial support for African nations is \u2018transparent and sincere,\u2019 aimed at fostering economic and social progress. \u2018African countries have agency in their partnerships,\u2019 he added, highlighting China\u2019s policy of non-interference in internal affairs.
A recent report by South Africa\u2019s Institute for Global Dialogue echoed these sentiments, criticizing U.S. engagement in Africa as overly focused on countering China and Russia instead of tackling local developmental needs. Experts noted that African nations increasingly prioritize \u2018mutual respect\u2019 and tangible results over ideological posturing.
Qin called for U.S.-China collaboration in Africa, urging both nations to leverage their UN Security Council roles to address continental challenges like security and poverty. \u2018Peace and prosperity in Africa benefit the world,\u2019 he said, underscoring a shared responsibility to support the region\u2019s 1.4 billion people.
Reference(s):
China believes Africa is the place for international cooperation
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