China has no intentions of recolonising Africa: Geingob

WINDHOEK, 05 SEP – President Hage Geingob has heaped praise on the win-win relationship between China and the African continent, reiterating that the Asian powerhouse has no intentions of recolonising Africa, nor meddling in its affairs as purported.
He said the friendship is characterised by three things, namely people-to-people exchange, a vibrant community and shared prosperity.
Speaking at a round-table discussion during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Tuesday, Geingob said China sees Africa as an equal partner.
“Where others saw Africa as a source of wealth, where others saw Africans as slaves, China saw commonalities and potential for long-lasting friendship,” he said.
He added that the summit not only attests to a history of all-weather friendship, but was a clear message to the world that China-Africa relations are on an upward trajectory.
The Head of State then commended the Chinese government for its “five-no” approach to Africa.
The “five-no” are no interference in African countries’ pursuit of development paths that fit their national conditions; no interference in African countries’ internal affairs and no imposition of China’s will on African countries. It also includes China’s stance that it will not attach political strings to its assistance to Africa and has no intention of seeking selfish political gains in investment and financing cooperation with Africa.
“This is a clear-cut answer to those who perpetrate the idea that Africa is under threat of recolonisation – this time by China,” Geingob said.
His Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping said at a separate meeting on Monday that “no one can stand in the way or obstruct international efforts to support Africa’s development”.
Xi further promised development that people on the continent could see and touch, but that would also be green and sustainable.
He offered U.S. dollar 60 billion in financing for Africa and wrote off some debt for poorer African nations, while warning against funds going toward “vanity projects”, it was reported.
Geingob also extended gratitude to China, for its decision to implement eight major initiatives with African countries in the next three years.
The initiatives will target industrial promotion, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, green development, capacity building, healthcare and people-to-people exchanges. – NAMPA