In order to provide better knowledge of the China's African Policy Paper, launched on January 12, the African Institute of South Africa and the Chinese Embassy co-hosted a briefing in Pretoria on January 19.

Mr. Zhou Yuxiao, the Minister Counsellor the Embassy, gave a brief introduction of the Policy Paper. According to Mr. Zhou, China has always attached great importance to the traditional China-Africa friendship, based on mutual trust, mutual understanding and mutual support, and is determined to open up more areas and channels to enhance all-round cooperation under new circumstances. In this policy paper, coincident with the celebration of the 50th birthday of the China-Africa friendship, China elaborates its view on Africa's role, maps out an overall plan for multi-field collaboration with concrete objectives and measures, and declares its commitment to a new type of strategic partnership with Africa, featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange. The release of the African Policy Paper will not only consolidate China-Africa friendship and cooperation, but also lead to greater attention of the international community to the development of African continent, hence promote the harmonious and balanced development of the world, Zhou said.

The Policy Paper and briefing were welcomed by the guests. Dr. Garth le Pere from the Institute for Global Dialogue pointed out that the Policy Paper holds China's great promise for improved and enhanced South-south cooperation. China's role in Africa should be regarded as dynamic impulses of its peaceful development in the course of economic globalization, instead of a threat.

Asked about China's position on the cooperation in energy and resources between China and Africa, H.E. Mr. Liu Guijin, Ambassador of China in South Africa, told the guests that as both a big energy consumer and a big producer, China can meet 94% of its Total Primary Energy Supply(TPES) for a sustainable economic growth. With the strategy of Scientific Development, China is engaged in fostering an environment-friendly and energy-saving economy with its efficiency of energy use increased enormously. China has also joined some developed countries in playing a leading role in the development of clean and renewable energies. The cooperation between China and Africa in the areas of energy and resources is on the basis of mutual benefit and meanwhile makes no obstruction to other countries.

In respond to the textile issue between China and South Africa, Liu confirmed that through friendly consultation, an agreement between the two governments will be signed soon, according to which China will voluntarily restrain its export of textile to South Africa and help train South African technicians in the clothing and textile industries. China will also encourage its textile companies to have direct investment in South Africa.

Nearly 100 guests from DFA and some of the departments, the media circle, and the thinktanks like SAIIA, IGD attended the briefing.