China-Africa: Ties that build independence

World
Europe

02:26

I am in South Africa to address the sunshine cooperation with this dynamic continent. Years ago, the Economist journal said the issue of Africa is one of governance. The BBC documentary says China is back.

Yes, we are back not only awash with good memories about how Africans have assisted the PRC to return to the UN in 1971, but with ideas on good corporate governance and big investment in 3000 projects here.

And we start this new journey of mutual rediscovery through infrastructure and Africa's hope of industrialization. We shall get the job done on a higher platform of digital technology. E-commerce and online payment, for example, will foster their catch-up.

President Xi Jinping has been to South Africa three times, and Jack Ma of Alibaba also came. Huawei and Hi-sense have taken root in this big market after years of hard-won expansion.

Initially, Chinese workers did most of the job, and we are learning from our own mistakes about political risks and environmental protection in extracting raw materials.

Now, most of the Chinese workers have gone home after training local labor force. Employment is no longer the issue. China helps in many ways, such as cultivating entrepreneurship and soft power through dozens of Confucius schools.

Donald Trump doesn't like this idea. He has ordered restrictions of Chinese cultural influence in the States. Where the US raises eyebrows, Chinese teachers make headway.

Author of The Arts of the Deal, President Trump knows business is business.

China respects its brotherhood with Africa, but it aims to help build self-reliance and autonomy of Africans. This is what Europeans stand for. Governance lasts longer than assistance.

In an age of globalization, Africans know what they want while licking wounds of colonialism. But the multiple challenges of Africa also include the controversial tribalism as opposed to modernity. Well, this is their own choice. We respect history and realities without strings.