China hits back at Japanese PM’s criticism of African aid
Print Edition
A CHINESE foreign ministry spokesman has blasted the Japanese prime minister’s criticism of China’s Africa policy, saying the comment was “unprofessional.”
“Such an accusation was unprofessional and ridiculous,” spokesman Hong Lei told a press briefing yesterday.
Hong had been asked to comment on Shinzo Abe’s claim that China’s aid to Africa was aimed at the continent’s market and resources while Japan’s aid helped create more jobs.
Abe concluded a six-day visit to three African countries yesterday.
Hong said China’s long-term assistance to Africa helped the continent’s economic and social development and people’s livelihoods.
He cited China’s assistance in African highways, railways and power stations, saying they helped improve the continent’s environment for investment.
Hong said China helped Africa create more jobs and improve its self-development ability by setting up auto assembling, household appliance and leather factories.
He cited China’s aid for hospitals, schools and stadiums.
More than 18,700 Chinese doctors and nurses treated 200 million people in 48 African countries since 1963, Hong said. About 1,800 Chinese peacekeepers are in Africa on peacemaking missions, Hong said, adding that China ranked first in terms of the number of peacekeepers among members of the United Nations Security Council.
Hong said African countries believed China’s purchase of their raw materials was at a fair price. “The purchases have improved the value of African resources, helped Africa obtain capital and improved Africa’s self-development ability and bargaining power.
“China’s aid to Africa is indeed different from Japan’s,” Hong said.
It covered all African countries and all sectors such as development, people’s lives, peace and security.
Hong cited the proverb “give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime.”
“We not only help improve African people’s livelihoods, but also enhance Africa’s ability to develop by itself and are committed to creating a peaceful environment for African development,” Hong said.
During his African visit, Abe pledged assistance of US$320 million to Africa in a speech given in Addis Ababa.
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