China and African countries have established strong ties and joint efforts are being made to further solidify the relationship, says a signed article in Guangming Website. An excerpt follows:

With a theme of "friendship, peace, co-operation and development," the Beijing Summit of China-Africa Co-operation will open tomorrow. This theme vividly summarizes the relationship between China and Africa.

A cornerstone of the relationship between China and the African countries is stable trade ties.

In 2005, the trade volume between the two parties reached US$39.8 billion, with China's imports from Africa standing at US$21.1 billion. Trade ties with China help the continent achieve prosperity and merge into the world economy.

The popularity enjoyed by China among the African economies originates from the kindness China has showed these countries.

China purchases resources from African countries at an open price, which prevents the price from being too low. China waives all import taxes on products from Ethiopia and 27 other least developed African countries. China also gives diversified aid in technology, agriculture, medical care and finance, which is very useful to African countries that are in urgent need of these.

The forum embodies the two sides' belief in multipolarization and their joint effort to create a harmonious world. These beliefs will be an effective solution to settle the conflicts among different cultures and different civilizations.

Admittedly, the ties also face challenges.

Some Western media accuse China of colonialism in Africa. This is a manifestation of the "China threat theory," which is totally ridiculous, but authorities should still take care to avoid casting a shadow on China's relationship with African countries.

Chinese investors should also abide by local laws and regulations and maintain their credibility in African countries. Trade imbalances and other specific trade issues should be settled under the framework of World Trade Organization agreements.

(China Daily November 3, 2006)