South Africa: China's Aid To Africa Not Tied To Political Motives

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http://allafrica.com/stories/200606220468.html

South Africa: China's Aid To Africa Not Tied To
Political Motives, Says Chinese Premier

BuaNews (Tshwane)

June 22, 2006
Posted to the web June 22, 2006

Clive Ndou
Cape Town

The Premier of the People's Republic of China Wen
Jiabao has reassured African countries that his
country's generosity towards poor countries comes with
"no strings attached".

"Our cooperation with African countries is
transparent, open and inclusive and we will always
promote a win-win situation," he said.

Mr Wen, who was speaking at the opening of the
China-South Africa Business Cooperation Forum, said
his country did not have any hidden agendas.

"China has endeavored to provide assistance without
any political strings attached to our brothers and
sisters in Africa to the best of our ability."

He cited the close- to- a thousand social and economic
projects which China had initiated in and for the
benefit of African countries over the years, as
evidence that his country had no sinister intentions.

"We respect the social system and development strategy
pursued by African countries in light of their
particular national conditions.

"We do not seek to export our own values and
developmental models to Africa."

With Africa calling for equitable representation at
the UN Security Council, Mr Wen said his country would
not hesitate to lend its support to the positions
adopted by the continent internationally as well as
domestically.

"We will continue to speak out for the interests of
Africa at international forums and support African
countries in their efforts to safeguard sovereignty,
independence and promote regional peace and
stability," he said.

Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka said China and South
Africa had a lot in common and there was a lot that
both countries stood to benefit by working together.

"Both countries are currently under pressure to
deliver on Millennium Development goals, we both face
energy challenges and our economies are characterised
by the huge gap between the first and second economy,"
she said.

She said working together would make it possible for
the two countries to tap into each other's
experiences.

Today's forum is likely to see more investment between
the two countries in areas of infrastructure
development, tourism and minerals beneficiation.

South Africa and China are currently exploring the use
of Pebble Bed Reactor Technology as an option to
increasing energy outputs.

"Indeed this is one of the areas where we will be
cooperating in," said Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka.