To this end there is a growing shift in Sino-African ties that is firmly focused on the long term. What was historically more of a political union has evolved into a much more substantive and all-encompassing strategic partnership.

When Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the African Union (AU) on May 5, during his recent four-nation trip to the continent, he spoke with conviction and was at pains to emphasize the increased collaboration with Africa and the commitment to take this relationship up a notch.

In essence, while specific investments may vary, his message was much the same as that of previous Chinese leaders who have visited the continent – a consolidation of what has gone on before, what is happening now and what is projected for the future. It’s a steady mantra entrenching China’s message through actions that consistently work toward dispelling the neo-colonial bully portrayed by Western media.

In tune with this message, Li’s specifically worded pledge to strengthen China-Africa cooperation in green and low carbon development, and his ensuring that Chinese companies operating in Africa were aware of and fulfilled their social responsibilities strikes a welcome chord in Africa.

China has been careful to avoid the trap of entering the continent with the attitude that they know what Africans want, and rather adhere to a policy of consultation, stressing equality in all dealings. What Li told Chinese companies on the continent was loud and clear – abide by local laws, be accountable and be responsible.

He is well aware that the foundation of Sino-African relationships will be forged among people-to-people dealings on the ground, far away from the glaring lights of officialdom and government hallways. It is an approach often far removed from Western investors who have a reputation of dictating terms without being inclusive in negotiation. The China approach offers Africa other investment options from the traditional former colonial masters of the past.

With the AU drawing up an ambitious blueprint, Agenda 2063, for the continent’s next 50 years of development, and China working hard to realize the Chinese dream of the great renewal of the Chinese nation, Li said both sides faced the task of achieving modernization and China is ready to provide assistance to the AU to the best of its ability.

Part of that assistance is in line with Africa’s march toward integration. With the AU playing an increasingly important role in African and world affairs, the Chinese premier assured his audience of AU officials and invited guests that China will continue to strengthen relations with the AU and firmly support it in spearheading African integration and upholding peace and security on the continent.

China is acutely aware that security in Africa lies at the heart of investment as without a peaceful and stable environment, development will be out of the question. To assist with this, Li said China is ready to implement the Initiative on China-Africa Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Security among other initiatives to actively enhance its capacity building in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and counter-piracy.

The China-Factor in Africa is not something to be feared. Li’s message at the AU made it clear it is exactly the opposite, and confirmed China’s role as a major player in Africa. Clear major investment guidelines, an understanding of involving people, from the smallest role player to the biggest, and a vision for a shared equitable destiny are the way forward. Times are changing and clearly China and Africa are both embracing that change together. CA