China calls for pragmatic int'l cooperation with Africa on equal footing

China has called on the international community to carry out cooperation with Africa in a pragmatic manner and on an equal footing, said Mao Ning, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Mao made the remarks in response to the principles for international cooperation with Africa proposed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

"During the press session following the FOCAC Beijing Summit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to the journalists about what is unique about China-Africa cooperation.

First, China does not interfere in Africa's internal affairs. All our assistance to Africa is meant to help and support the continent with every sincerity and good faith.

Second, China always makes sure that what we provide is what Africa truly needs for its development, particularly in terms of capacity building.

Third, China does not engage in geopolitical wrestling, and opposes inciting bloc confrontation in Africa or using Africa for selfish interest," Mao said.

According to the spokeswoman, China has take concrete actions to help Africa develop infrastructure and improve the people's wellbeing over the past two decades. "Since the FOCAC was launched 24 years ago, it has been instrumental in supporting development and raising the quality of life in Africa. Under the FOCAC, China and Africa have built and upgraded close to 100,000 kilometers of roads, more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges and nearly 100 ports. Over the past three years alone, Chinese companies have created over 1.1 million jobs in Africa. All of those are helpful for Africa to remove development bottlenecks and address the debt issue from its root. As South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa and other African leaders said during the Summit, Chinese investments in Africa are not pushing the continent into a 'debt trap' but are instead part of a mutually beneficial relationship," said Mao.

"What's more, China has never been Africa's main creditor. World Bank figures show that of Africa's sovereign external debt, 80 percent are held by multilateral and private creditors whereas bilateral debt only accounts for a small proportion. Even so, China has actively contributed to easing Africa's pressure of debt repayment through bilateral and multilateral channels, and is the top contributor to the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). In the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027), China also put forward specific measures for debt relief," she said.

Mao underscored China's position on carrying out cooperation with Africa and called for the international community to meet their obligations in assisting African countries.

"As Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed, to be Africa's cooperation partner, one must always do what is fair and just for Africa, treat Africa as an equal and deliver tangibly for Africa. We call on the international community, especially the developed countries and international financial institutions, to step up to their responsibilities, and help African countries ease debt burden and achieve sustainable development," Mao said.

China calls for pragmatic int'l cooperation with Africa on equal footing

China calls for pragmatic int'l cooperation with Africa on equal footing

As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.

With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.

In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.

Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.

"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.

In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.

Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."

The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.

According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.

In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.

Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.

"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.

Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival