"The objective realities China was in and Ethiopia is in now are different, totally different. And to learn from China's experience, we cannot copy everything, but we can take a reference. ... One thing we can learn from China is [to] be realistic, be people-centered, for the interests of the people as the center of your plannings, and make sure that people benefit out of the reforms made," said former Ethiopian president, during an exclusive interview with China Media Group in south China's Guangzhou City on December 3.