China refutes US blame for exaggerating results of cooperation with Africa

BEIJING -- China on Monday refuted the United States' blame for exaggerating China-Africa cooperation results, saying China has invested its advantages and resources into areas that African countries needed most.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks at a press briefing in response to a question regarding US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy's accusation against China's policy towards Africa.

During his recent visit to Uganda, Nagy said the results of China-Africa cooperation have been exaggerated. He said people don't care that the United States had invested far more than China in areas such as good governance and security in Africa. Meanwhile, stadiums built by China have drawn a lot of attention from the African people, which is quite annoying.

Nagy said China's loans have increased African countries' debt burden's and the Chinese people are competing with local African's for business and jobs.

The China-Africa friendship has been tested by time and the changing international situation and cannot be shaken by any forces, Geng said.

"We have noticed a series of irresponsible remarks made by a US official during his visits in Africa," said Geng, adding that those remarks are groundless, full of loopholes and will not be accepted by African countries.

Reiterating that China has always observed the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith and upholds justice while pursuing shared benefits in China-Africa cooperation, Geng said China has invested its advantages and resources into areas that African countries most needed.

When providing finance to African countries, China always respects their wishes, is based on reality, and highlights project's economic and social benefits, and has made important contributions to African countries' independent sustainable development, said Geng.

Geng said the African people have the best say about China-Africa cooperation's projects and in fact, leaders and people of African countries have refuted the idea that China is creating a debt trap in Africa.

"We urge senior US officials to listen to the voices of African people on African soil and make more contributions to Africa," said Geng.