If you want a pretense to whip a dog, say he ate the frying pan.

When China deals with Africa, especially the "problem countries", the critics like to pretend that no ruses are off the table.

It is widely assumed that China has some African countries, such as Sudan, under its thumb, and so its influence over Sudan is critical to prospects for a peaceful resolution of the Darfur conflict.

The nature of China's relationship with Sudan has been the target of much criticism, particularly in light of the situation in Darfur.

In outraged gestures, the critics have pointed fingers at China, while turning a blind eye to what the country has been doing to help the people of Africa.

In a reflection of China's sincerity, Chinese envoy to Sudan Liu Guijin has been in the African country for the past four days on his second fact-finding visit.

China played a significant role in smoothing ways to carry out United Nations Resolution 1769, establishing the UN-African Union mission.

The 135 military engineers China has deployed to Darfur, the first contingent of the hybrid UN force, set an example for the rest of the world. Chinese soldiers have made a miracle in Darfur, building bridges and roads. China's humanitarian aid has been used to construct infrastructure facilities such as power plants, schools, hospitals and wells.

Few of these have been covered by Western media, which have been busy bringing pressure to bear on China.

With eyes and ears shut, the critics can hardly look at the China-Sudan relationship with clear minds.

China has developed its diplomatic relations with Africa on the heels of Western countries, which colonized the continent for centuries. Treating African countries fairly and equally, China has pursued a relationship with them that ensures mutual rather than exploitative gains.

The situation in Darfur is the result of a complicated tangle of sources. To ensure that things return to normal in Darfur, the Sudanese government, rebels, the UN, the AU and the rest of the international community must work hard together.

China is hardly the only country that needs to do more to bring peace and security to Darfur. Many other countries also need to contribute additional resources to the UN-AU hybrid mission and involve all parties in Darfur in the political settlement.

(China Daily February 28, 2008)