S. African, Chinese researchers launch book on China-Africa ties

Readers choose books at the Chinese Books section in a bookstore in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dec 3, 2015. The one-week 2015 South African Exhibition on Chinese Books kicked off here on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua]

PRETORIA - South African and Chinese experts on Thursday launched a book which analyses the relationship between China and Africa in great details.

Titled FOCAC 2015: A new beginning of China-Africa Relations, the book was written by Funeka Yazini April, a researcher from Human Sciences Research Council, Prof. Garth Shelton, a lecturer at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and Prof. Li Anshan, a professor at the School of International Studies at Peking University.

The book details China's engagement in Africa in the political, economic and people-to-people relations.

Speaking at the launch, Pro. Shelton explained the importance of China in the shaping of modern politics.

"Africa cannot afford to ignore China. China is important to South Africa, Africa and the world. China is the most important ally in transforming global political system. It is a long time friend of Africa from the liberation struggle. It is an important partner of Africa in development and has a special relationship with the continent," Garth said.

Shelton praised China's stance of allowing Africans to have African solutions to African problems, saying,"In the next 10 years China is expected to double its economic growth. That would be the next wave of China Wave and that would change the world. Africa has to take advantage of that,"Shelton added.

He said China is committed to bringing peace and stability in Africa for economic development. He also said every relationship has difficulties and this will also happen to China and Africa.