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China rejects Abe's criticism of Africa policy

Xinhua, January 15, 2014

• A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Wednesday blasted 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 daily press briefing.

  Hong made the remarks when asked to comment on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's accusation that China's aid to Africa was aimed at the continent's market and resources while Japan's aid helped create more jobs for the continent.

  Abe concluded his six-day visit to three African countries on Wednesday.

  Hong reviewed China's long-term assistance to Africa, saying it helped African economic and social development and people's livelihood.

  He cited China's assistance to 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 appliances and leatherworking factories.

  He cited China-aided hospitals, schools and stadiums, saying local people benefited from those facilities.

  More than 18,700 Chinese doctors and nurses have 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.

  On China-Africa resource collaboration, Hong said African countries believe that China's price to purchase African raw materials is fair.

  "The purchase has 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.

  Firstly, China's aid and cooperation is all round, covering all African countries and all sectors like development, people's lives, peace and security, Hong said.

  He cited a 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 livelihood, but also enhance Africa's ability to develop by itself and are committed to creating a peaceful environment for African development," Hong said.

  He said China honors its commitment. "I expect the Japanese prime minister's commitment of a large sum of aid to Africa will be implemented on time. We will keep a close watch on its implementation."

  During his latest African tour, Abe pledged assistance of 320 million U.S. dollars to Africa in his policy speech for the continent in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 

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