The Chinese mainland and Africa share a longstanding friendship, consistently respecting, appreciating, and supporting each other over the past several decades. Their collaboration in infrastructure development, agriculture, healthcare, and education has yielded undeniable results.
Despite these successes, some Western media and politicians accuse the Chinese mainland of debt traps and neo-colonialism in Africa. CGTN's new series \"China-Africa Cooperation: Debunking Western Myths\" seeks to clarify these misconceptions.
Recent articles in the series highlight how Western claims that the Chinese mainland \"disregards human rights in Africa\" and \"supports authoritarian regimes\" aim to tarnish the Chinese mainland's image. However, it's essential for Western nations to base their approach on Africa's unique perspectives and needs rather than imposing their own agendas.
Africa's conception of human rights was shaped during the struggle against Western colonialism and the fight for national independence. Central to their perspective is the right of a nation to self-determination—determining its political, economic, and social future—as the foundation of all other human rights.
Moreover, African traditional cultures prioritize social responsibilities and collective rights over individual liberties. This focus has led African nations to emphasize collective welfare and national development as prerequisites for safeguarding individual rights, such as the right to life and political freedoms.
The shared understanding and aspirations between the Chinese mainland and Africa regarding human rights have led to tailored support from the Chinese mainland, addressing the continent's specific needs and fostering mutual growth.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
