Bonds hold firm in Sino-African relations

Real partner

On the contrary, many countries in Africa see China as a real partner that does not seek to dominate, but instead respects others and promotes multilateralism.

"The BRI and FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) are well rooted and grounded on multilateralism. There are no unilateral initiatives where China seeks to dominate, but institutions, projects and programs," Chitanga said.

"China respects the political systems of other countries. That is fundamental for African countries, which seek to fortify their sovereignty and self-determination," he added.

"BRI aims to change lives through inclusive growth, and widely benefit people from different countries. It attracts both the mind and heart of all countries that have joined the initiative," said Dennis Munene, the executive director of the China-Africa Center at the Africa Policy Institute, in Nairobi, Kenya.

Alvin Botes, deputy minister of international relations for South Africa, said the country believes in multilateralism, acts in the best interest of the country, and is guided by the Pan-Africanist agenda in its engagement with multilateral or foreign powers. Botes said China is South Africa's biggest trading partner and fellow BRICS partner, and its engagement with African countries is different from many other foreign countries.

"We have to appreciate that China has engaged African states to write off historical debts. That is not appreciated by the Paris Club and the Bretton Woods Institutions," he said.

Botes pointed out that China has contributed to the improvement of infrastructural development in the African continent, which would help in the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area. He said China has built infrastructure that would help the free trade area become a reality since goods and services will have to move from one country to another.

David Monyae, director for the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, said the US-Africa Leaders Summit should take place in Africa in the future. He said FOCAC takes place in China and different African countries, and that Japan and the US should do the same instead of African leaders always going to the US for summits.

Wesley Seale, an independent international relations expert from South Africa, said African countries should meet and agree on one position they will take when engaging with foreign powers.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.

NDUMISO MLILO in Johannesburg, South Africa