The reasons why Sino-African ties are developing rapidly are as follows:

-- The development of Sino-African ties is a focus of attention of the leaders of both sides, as evidenced by President Hu's visits and the meeting of 48 African countries and regions in Beijing;

-- The two sides have reached wide strategic common understanding on major and important international and bilateral issues. Similar historical endurance and development demands formed a firm basis for bilateral cooperation, and strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting new international political and economic orders are their common political requirements. They are working on demanding that developed countries open their markets, abolish trade protectionism and strengthen technological exchange. Opposing unilateralism, maintaining and strengthening the authority of the United Nations and promoting international democratization are their common political stance.

-- The theory of equal and mutual-benefit cooperation and complementary economic advantages are elements benefiting Sino-African relations. Africa's ample natural and human resources and abundant market potential, and China's capital, technology and experience, will bond together to create giant energy and productivity.

Nowadays, China-Africa relations mean more than simple bilateral relations, due to globalization. Western countries, fearing their interests and energy resources in Africa will be threatened, are airing "China threat" and "neocolonialism" rhetoric. Facing these challenges, China needs to develop a dialogue with Western countries to find proper ways to help Africa eliminate poverty. Moreover, China should leave enough time and space to Africa to adjust its economic structure and increase its competitiveness while affording its technological support, which is greatly welcomed by African countries such as South Africa.

In the future, Chinese enterprises will invest more in Africa, enhance Africa's capability of processing products and promote the diversification of Africa's export products; thus the disputes between China and Africa will be dissolved step by step, through mutual development.

The author is Director of the Division of African Studies of the Institute of West Asian and African Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

(Source: Beijing Review NO. 4 FEBRUARY 1, 2007)