The rapid growth of China-Africa relations has aroused wide international attention and become a hot topic in international relations. Zhai Jun, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, has noted there are voices in some quarters questioning and criticizing China's policy toward Africa. On July 12, he responded to some of the opinions at the Seventh Lanting Forum. His views follow: 

Some people say that China is plundering Africa's energy and resources and pursuing "neo-colonialism". 

The structure of trade between China and Africa that is based on energy and resources should indeed be improved. Meanwhile, the same situation exists between Africa and all its major trading partners. To change their economic structure that relies too heavily on energy and resources, it is essential that African countries improve their capability for self-generated development and realize diversification of economic development. The Chinese side has made active efforts and adopted a number of cooperative initiatives to this end. What should also be recognized is that despite its fast growth in recent years, China-Africa cooperation does not match that between Africa and its traditional partners in either scope or depth. To help African countries to increase capability for self-generated development, other countries should step up their efforts as well. One should also recognize that the unfair and unreasonable international political and economic order is still a major obstacle hindering Africa's development. To reverse the situation, it is crucial that those countries leading international relations make an effort. 

- Some people say that China's commitment to the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs impedes Africa's efforts to promote democracy and good governance. 

Let me point out that as an important principle governing international relations, non-interference in domestic affairs is not gone outdated. For developing countries in particular, it remains an important tool for defending their rights and interests. In recent years, some countries ignored opposition from regional countries to intervene militarily in some regional hot-spot issues and press for regime change. This has disrupted regional and world peace and stability. The lessons learned should all be remembered. Support for democracy and good governance in Africa is not the "monopoly" of certain countries. Improved democracy, legal system and governance in Africa are essential to the sound and steady growth of China-Africa cooperation. China firmly supports such efforts. We see African countries as equals as we share more governance experience with them. This has been welcomed by African countries. 

- Some say that China should take up more responsibilities in Africa, particularly regarding peace and security. 

My response to this view is that on the one hand, as China grows, African countries expect to receive more assistance from China and look to China to play a bigger role in African affairs. This shows how much they trust us and we are willing to help. In recent years, we substantially increased support and help for Africa's development. We have also steadily increased participation in Africa's peace and security affairs. We will continue to do so in order to contribute more to Africa's peace, stability and development. On the other hand, China is a developing country. We must consider our own capacity when providing assistance to others. We are ready to actively participate in resolving various hotspot issues in Africa. We hope to receive greater understanding and support from others for China's policy and position. 

- Some say that China has moved other people's "cheese" as it strengthens relations with Africa and damaged other countries' interests there. 

I wish to point out that Africa belongs to the Africans; it is not anyone's "cheese." Any country that wishes to develop cooperation with Africa must respect the ownership of African countries. In a globalized world, countries' destinies are closely linked. China's relations with Africa are open and inclusive. It is all about cooperation rather than confrontation with any third party. China-Africa relations have delivered tangible benefits to Africa's development. And Africa's development is good for the whole world, including for other countries' cooperation with Africa. To those who view China-Africa cooperation as threatening their own interests, I would say that it is their own mentality and policy that needs to be examined. Of course, China-Africa cooperation is not perfect. New circumstances and new issues are bound to emerge as our cooperation deepens. However, these are not the result of the policy of the Chinese government and they can be resolved through deeper cooperation and friendly consultation. We take these issues very seriously and stand ready to work with Africa to deal with them properly.