Sino-Africa cooperation argued to deal with global security challenges

Published: August 31,2023

By Staff writer 

The third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum that opened in Beijing on Aug 29, called on both sides to work together to address various international security challenges. Participants emphasized concerted efforts in resisting countries that interfere in others’ internal affairs to maintain their own interests.  Some countries it was noted, try to tarnish the image of China-Africa cooperation and fabricate fake stories like the infamous, “neocolonialism and debt traps.”

The   high level six day security forum meeting between China and Africa brought together over 100 representatives from nearly 50 countries to exchange ideas on the practical solutions to overcome global security challenges and uphold international justice. 

While addressing the forum, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Li Shangfu, in a key note speech called on both sides to continue cooperating closely on hot spot and sensitive issues, and jointly reject hegemony and bullying. He also said that China has never interfered in the continent’s internal affairs. “China never imposes its will on others and never interferes with Africa’s internal affairs. Its assistance to Africa, including military aid, is not attached to any political conditions. All security cooperation is based on consultation among all parties,” Li said, adding that these have become the cornerstone of security mutual trust between China and Africa.

The minister outlined the direction of future China-Africa cooperation, emphasizing that both sides should continue implementing the important consensus reached by Chinese and African leaders and promote deep and practical security cooperation, actively contributing to maintaining peace and stability in China, Africa and the world.

He pointed out that China and Africa should jointly address various international security challenges while also staying “highly vigilant in jointly resisting countries that interfere in others’ internal affairs to maintain their own interests, point fingers at China-Africa cooperation and fabricate rumors and lies, such as so-called neocolonialism and debt traps”.

“As forces for peace and justice, China and Africa should further deepen strategic mutual trust and cooperation, firmly support each other on issues related to their core interests and major concerns, closely cooperate on sensitive issues, jointly resist hegemony, dominance and bullying, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries,” Li said.He further noted that China continues to promote the Initiative of Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa and implements security assistance projects in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, antipiracy and public security.

Participants emphasized that China-Africa cooperation focuses on practicability and effectiveness, noting that China insists on combining the development of China-Africa security cooperation with the enhancement of Africa’s own stability maintenance capabilities.