Chinese President pledges long lasting mutual relationship

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s inaugural trip, which has taken him to Russia, Tanzania and South Africa before a final stop in the Republic of Congo, has been examined for what it says about his aspirations for a multipolar world and the potential to develop counterweights to influence of the U.S. and Europe. In simpler terms, he could just want to start off his expected 10 years as China’s leader with a visit to a few friends. A Gallup World poll of global attitudes toward China’s leadership in 2011 found the highest levels of support were found in sub-Saharan African states, which filled the top 20 positions. In Tanzania, where Xi spoke at a Chinese-backed convention hall on Monday, 68% of respondents approved of the job being done by China’s leaders, versus 29% who disapproved, according to the Gallup survey. The trade relationship with the continent has expanded vastly in recent years, increasing from $10.6 billion in 2000 to nearly $200 billion last year. China is the second-largest foreign investor in Tanzania, with stakes in agriculture, coal, iron ore and infrastructure,In South Africa, where two-way trade totalled $59.9bn last year - nearly one-third of total China-Africa trade - Xi will hold talks with President Jacob Zuma and join the leaders of Brazil, India, Russia and South Africa at the BRICS summit of emerging economies. China has lent oil-rich Congo, Xi's last stop, billions of dollars under a series of agreements, financing a 500km road linking Brazzaville, the capital, to commercial hub Pointe-Noire, a 120-megawatt hydroelectric dam and other projects. China is reviving this partnership with Tanzania by investing heavily in its infrastructure" such as railways that could provide a vital link to Chinese-run mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chinese President Xi Jinping claps as President Jakaya Kikwete displays a symbolic key passed on to him by his guest during the official handing over of Chinese-built Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam yesterday. (Photo: Khalfan Said) Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured African countries that his country will extend deep-going and comprehensive strategic support to the continent’s economic development, challenging other countries in the world to respect Africa’s dignity and independence. He said this in a conference before his host, President Jakaya Kikwete, shortly after inaugurating the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre in Dar es Salaam yesterday. The Chinese leader, who arrived in the country on Sunday accompanied by First Lady Peng Liyuan, told delegates that China will continue to increase its financial support to Africa to keep its commitment in both letter and spirit. President Xi said his government has allocated $20bn for Africa to develop infrastructures, agriculture and manufacturing industries between this year and 2015, adding that his government has also put in place a two-year programme to develop Africans talents during the same period. “The development of our relationship should be people oriented and of mutual respect. The development of Sino-Africa relations should be influenced by promoting the youth of both sides,” he noted. Elaborating, President Xi said that in cooperating with Africa, China remains committed to connecting its development opportunities to the continent. According to him, while China and Africa mark a historic friendship, the unity and cooperation will remain a foundation for China’s international policy. In that regard, the Chinese leader said China-Africa cooperation will last forever even if the former becomes the leading economic giant in the world. President Xi reminded delegates that there is no meaningful development that can be based on one side and that all parts should respect the development model they subscribe to. “China will continue to support Africa in regional, economic and security issues, if we’re to maintain friendship, we have to keep pace of innovation and cooperation,” Xi insisted. President Xi hailed the strong partnership between Tanzania and China, noting that the welcome extended to him when he arrived exceeded his expectation. In his remarks, President Kikwete said a special state visit for the Chinese leader in the country consolidates and advance the long term China-Africa relations and friendship. He appreciated the first foreign trip of the Chinese President to Tanzania, noting that the Asian country’s policy to Africa has worked well. “China has been supporting development across the world, thus President Xi’s presence to Tanzania marks a cooperation milestone between the two countries,” he asserted, adding that the two countries will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. Meanwhile, members of the public have expressed mixed reactions to the speech delivered by the Chinese new leader yesterday. On his part, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, a renowned economist and chairman of the Civic United Front Party (CUF) criticised the government’s spending of loans granted by international communities and development partners. According to him, the government needs to set well-defined-strategies on the best ways to use the funds that China plans to grant. “If we set up practical strategic plans, then we will obviously benefit in the future,” he told reporters shortly after the conference. On the other hand, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) secretary general Abdurahman Kinana said his party is well committed to implement accountability and good governance strategies to ensure mutual development for the two countries. He said China’s support which is three times more than that granted by G8 which is $4bn, reflects the country’s mutual friendship with the African continent. “We will make sure that all the support dished out by development partners, particularly China reaches the destined consumer,” Kinana asserted.