Operating in Union

　　One of the constant messages that emerges on China’s engagement in Africa from Western media andobservers is the misguided notion of taking without giving.

　　African leaders themselves are quick to dismiss these criticsand are well aware that China does not wish to followthe same path of some Western countries and projectitself as being apathetic to the plight of Africans on theground.

　　To this end there is a growing shift in Sino-African tiesthat is firmly focused on the long term. What was historicallymore of a political union has evolved into a much moresubstantive and all-encompassing strategic partnership.

　　When Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the AfricanUnion (AU) on May 5， during his recent four-nation trip tothe continent， he spoke with conviction and was at painsto emphasize the increased collaboration with Africa andthe commitment to take this relationship up a notch.

　　In essence， while specific investments may vary， hismessage was much the same as that of previous Chineseleaders who have visited the continent – a consolidation ofwhat has gone on before， what is happening now and whatis projected for the future. It’s a steady mantra entrenchingChina’s message through actions that consistentlywork toward dispelling the neo-colonial bully portrayed byWestern media.

　　In tune with this message， Li’s specifically wordedpledge to strengthen China-Africa cooperation in greenand low carbon development， and his ensuring thatChinese companies operating in Africa were aware of andfulfilled their social responsibilities strikes a welcome chordin Africa.

　　China has been careful to avoid the trap of entering thecontinent with the attitude that they know what Africanswant， and rather adhere to a policy of consultation， stressingequality in all dealings. What Li told Chinese companieson the continent was loud and clear – abide by local laws，be accountable and be responsible.

　　He is well aware that the foundation of Sino-Africanrelationships will be forged among people-to-people dealingson the ground， far away from the glaring lights of officialdomand government hallways. It is an approach oftenfar removed from Western investors who have a reputationof dictating terms without being inclusive in negotiation.The China approach offers Africa other investment optionsfrom the traditional former colonial masters of the past.

　　With the AU drawing up an ambitious blueprint， Agenda2063， for the continent’s next 50 years of development，and China working hard to realize the Chinese dream ofthe great renewal of the Chinese nation， Li said both sidesfaced the task of achieving modernization and China isready to provide assistance to the AU to the best of itsability.

　　Part of that assistance is in line with Africa’s marchtoward integration. With the AU playing an increasinglyimportant role in African and world affairs， the Chinese premierassured his audience of AU officials and invited gueststhat China will continue to strengthen relations with the AUand firmly support it in spearheading African integrationand upholding peace and security on the continent.

　　China is acutely aware that security in Africa lies atthe heart of investment as without a peaceful and stableenvironment， development will be out of the question. Toassist with this， Li said China is ready to implement the Initiativeon China-Africa Cooperative Partnership for Peaceand Security among other initiatives to actively enhanceits capacity building in peacekeeping， counter-terrorismand counter-piracy.

　　The China-Factor in Africa is not something to befeared. Li’s message at the AU made it clear it is exactly theopposite， and confirmed China’s role as a major player inAfrica. Clear major investment guidelines， an understandingof involving people， from the smallest role player to thebiggest， and a vision for a shared equitable destiny are theway forward. Times are changing and clearly China andAfrica are both embracing that change together.

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