Few people in Africa believe such accusations. Having suffered from colonialism, African people know what colonialism is. South African President Jacob Zuma said clearly that China has never colonized Africa but rather helps Africa to rely on itself.

In general, the development of Sino-African relations has promoted economic and social development in Africa, which is applauded by African countries and peoples while winning affirmation and praise from the international community. Many international scholars in African affairs believe that the cooperation between China and African countries and Chinese business operations in Africa have brought preferential influences and important contributions to Africa's development.

Some Western observers show concern over China importing resources from Africa, but in reality, Western countries are the major importers of resources from Africa. For instance, two thirds of oil produced in Africa goes to the United States and European countries. China-Africa cooperation in various areas, including resources, is conducted on a mutually-beneficial and win-win basis.

In terms of adjustments, I think our cooperative ties should be constantly strengthened to meet the new needs arising due to changes.

First, both sides should keep themselves up to date with each other's developments and people's demands, so as to better define our cooperative focus. African people are eager to escape from poverty and pursue industrialization, which are the same aspirations as Chinese people. While formulating African cooperation strategies, China should study and respond to the development plans of African countries and regional organizations and promote bilateral relations with various countries in light of their respective conditions.

Second, both sides should actively participate in each other's industrialization processes. African countries place high expectations on their cooperation with China and subsequently China should do more to help African countries improve their capacities in governance and independent development. For instance, Chinese enterprises have contracted many projects in Africa, but if local capacities in production, transportation, management and maintenance are insufficient, these projects are unlikely to function well.

In terms of agricultural cooperation, China can help Africa improve grain production so as to increase global grain supply and better solve the problem of poverty. In addition, industrial transfer can help Africa build up its manufacture industry and promote industrialization. This way, African countries are able to develop independently in their cooperation with China.

Third, we should further strengthen people-to-people contacts to enhance mutual understandings and identification. China Central Television recently broadcast live footage of wildlife migration in Africa. This program was widely applauded in China and will surely bring more tourists to Africa.

Non-governmental exchanges between China and Africa should descend to the community level so that people at grassroots level can benefit from Sino-African friendship and become firm supporters and participants in this cooperation.

Fourth, we should increase the sense of responsibility of Chinese enterprises. We need to realize that there are many opportunities, as well as challenges, in the process of accelerating Sino-African cooperation. Both sides should treat the issue earnestly. For China, helping Africa means helping ourselves. We should stress more on what is right, instead of just profiting from our cooperation with Africa and encourage our enterprises to participate in the New Partnership for Africa's Development, while also building markets and networks so as to increase local employment.