Abuja - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang pledged “no strings” support for Africa’s development yesterday, saying that the world’s second-largest economy would not meddle in the continent’s internal affairs.
“All China’s support for Africa will come with no political strings attached,” Li said, speaking at the World Economic Forum on Africa being held in the Nigerian capital, Abuja. “We will not interfere with Africa’s internal affairs or ask something impossible of Africa,” he added.
Li, who is on a state visit to the continent, said China was confident about expanding its economy by about 7.5 percent this year, in line with the official growth target.
The remarks from Li followed data that showed China’s trade sector returning to slight growth last month as orders to the US and Europe surged, although the outlook remains cloudy. On Monday in Addis Ababa, Li unveiled extra aid for Africa totalling at least $12 billion (R124.4bn), and offered to share advanced technology with the continent to help with development of high-speed rail. - Reuters