South African and Chinese experts on Thursday launched a book which analyses the relationship between China and Africa in great details.[Special coverage]
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.
He however stated that the long history of friendship will enable China and Africa to resolve the problems.
April, one of the authors, said she went to the Democratic Republic of Congo to research about what the Chinese companies and American companies are doing there.
"My research showed that Chinese companies are doing better than the American companies. While American companies are doing some social community projects Chinese are doing it on a large scale, building roads, infrastructure and hospitals,"she said.
April said China and Africa have been working together in many areas including on the environmental side.
"China is willing to include Africa in its international highway of Belt and Road which will facilitate the movement of goods. They are also interested in establishing manufacturing plants in Africa to create jobs. They have also been involved in training and development to address the human resources deficit,"April said.
Responding to a question from the audience, April dismissed assumption that China is a new colonizer in Africa.
"China is not a new colonizer. China was part of the liberation struggle and not colonizers. They never fought or colonized anybody. They have experience in business and take advantage of the market,"She said.
April said new Sino-Africa relations will emerge out of the FOCAC Summit, scheduled for December 4-5 in Johannesburg.
