Chinese authorities do not interfere in the internal affairs of African countries and do not impose political conditions on them, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated.
"China does not interfere in Africa's internal affairs and sincerely provides assistance without ever imposing any political conditions," the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website quoted him as saying.
The minister clarified that China "closely follows the development needs" of the African continent. Additionally, the Chinese side places a priority on infrastructure development and the implementation of "small but beautiful" projects that contribute to improving the well-being of local residents and "help strengthen the potential for self-reliant development."
"China will not participate in geopolitical games. We oppose the creation of rival camps in Africa and the exploitation of the continent for selfish purposes," Wang Yi emphasized. "We will continue to cooperate with Africa based on the principles of truth and sincerity, as put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping."
According to the Chinese foreign minister, participants in the ongoing Ninth FOCAC in Beijing reached a consensus, which will guide China and Africa in pursuing cooperation aimed at modernization and forming an "all-weather community with a shared future in the new era."
In addition, Wang Yi said that over the past three years, Chinese companies have created more than 1.1 million jobs in African countries.
He also highlighted the significant role of the FOCAC in enhancing Beijing's interaction with regional states through joint projects that have improved living conditions in Africa. He noted China's contributions in building and modernizing thousands of kilometers of highways, railroads, bridges, and ports, as well as sending medical teams to assist approximately 230 million people across the continent.
Additionally, Wang Yi mentioned ongoing Chinese projects in Africa focused on food and water supply, science, and education, underscoring their positive impact on local communities. He credited these achievements to the efforts of Chinese workers, doctors, teachers, and volunteers collaborating with their African counterparts. Earlier, President Xi Jinping announced plans for 500 new projects and the creation of at least 1 million jobs to further improve the standard of living in the region.
Showing responsiveness to Africa's needs, premier Li Qiang indicated during the FOCAC that China will further open its markets to African businesses. He stated that the Asian nation will “expand unilateral opening up to the least developed countries and work with Africa to keep promoting mutual opening up.”
Earlier at the FOCAC, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with other African leaders, expressed concerns regarding China's growing trade surplus with Africa, which reached a record $64 billion last year. He urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to work on reducing this imbalance and improving the trade structure between the two regions. Ramaphosa also emphasized the need for more sustainable manufacturing and job-creating investments in Africa.