He said China's oil imports from Africa in 2006 only accounted for 8.7 percent of Africa's total oil exports, as compared with 36 percent and 33 percent respectively for EU and US imports from Africa.

"If you put 8.7 percent as neo-colonialism, how would you describe the EU's and US practices?" he asked.

Du said China has developed very good relations with all the 49 countries that have established diplomatic ties with it.

China's assistance to Africa has not made Africa's debt burden heavier, he said. On the contrary, China is the country that has reduced debts owed by African countries "most drastically."

During the discussion, Du also delivered a speech elaborating on China's path of peaceful development.

Gudrun Wacker, an Asian expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, agreed that China's development of relations with Africa should not be regarded as "a new imperial attack."

Another panelist, Etienne Reuter, a senior adviser on Asian affairs of the European Commission, said China should continue to play its positive role in Africa.

He called on China and the EU to enhance cooperation regarding Africa to contribute to the continent's peace and development.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2008)