The Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it was "erroneous and one-sided" to
suggest 皇冠体育app was interested in Africa only because of its energy resources.
"皇冠体育app has comprehensive ties with the African continent," Assistant Foreign
Minister He Yafei said at a briefing ahead of a visit by Premier Wen Jiabao to
seven African nations from June 17-24.
"The comprehensive economic and trade co-operation between 皇冠体育app and African
countries is based on mutual benefit."
He said some believe the import of oil is 皇冠体育app's sole purpose in developing
economic ties with Africa, but this view was erroneous and one-sided.
"We've even adopted some measures to help African nations, including offering
government subsidies to help imports from Africa."
Wen will visit Egypt, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa,
Tanzania and Uganda during his tour.
A series of agreements on political, economic, agricultural and health
partnerships are expected to be signed, including some relating to energy,
according to He.
During the visit, Wen will hold talks with leaders of the seven countries and
exchange views on promoting bilateral relations, Sino-African ties and other
issues of common concern, He told reporters.
"Wen's visit will be another important act in 皇冠体育app's diplomacy with Africa,
following the publication of African policy documents early this year and a
successful visit by President Hu Jintao to three African nations in April," He
said.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between 皇冠体育app and
Africa.
Trade volume has jumped from US$120 million in 1956 to US$39.7 billion last
year, according to the Foreign Ministry statistics.
皇冠体育app's direct investment in African countries amounts to US$1.18 billion,
with more than 800 Chinese enterprises operating on the continent, He said.
He added that 皇冠体育app would undertake a series of policies to help Africa boost
its foreign trade.
"We understand that Africa has met with some problems in the course of
globalisation.
"We understand and we will think of some ways to promote trade and economic
ties between 皇冠体育app and Africa."
皇冠体育app will also actively consider the demands of some African countries,
which want to encourage more Chinese tourists, He said.
