Magoha said cooperation between African countries and China has developed into a new era with fields of cooperation expanding to science and technology, culture, education, tourism, from merely economy and trade in the past.

    "The establishment of the Confucius Institute in Africa marks a milestone in Africa-China culture exchange and friendship," Magoha said, adding that he believed the Confucius Institute will help young Africans have a broader view of the world and better participate in the global competition.

    Analysts pointed out that behind the vibrant cultural exchanges are the rocketing economic and trade cooperation between China and Africa.

    Statistics from China's Ministry of Commerce show that in 2005, Sino-African bilateral trade came to 39.74 billion U.S. dollars double that of 2000, with China's exports to African countries standing at 18.68 billion dollars, and China's imports from the African continent totaling 21 billion dollars. China's accumulated direct investment in the African continent reached 1.18 billion dollars by the end of 2005, with China-invested projects scattering in 49 African countries.

    During a state visit to Nigeria, Chinese President Hu Jintao outlined China's Africa policy, saying that China hopes to improve cooperation with Africa in politics, economy, culture, security and international affairs to develop a new strategic partnership.

    In his speech at the Nigerian Parliament, Hu appealed for the enhancement of mutual political trust between China and Africa. "This is the core content of Sino-African ties in the new international situation," said He Wenping, a researcher with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

    China honors and supports the wish of African countries to preserve their independence and sovereignty and to choose their own development path in accordance with their domestic situation. "Such an attitude is more acceptable to the African countries compared with some other countries pushing for their concept of democracy in a unilateral way," He believes.

    But China's closer economic and trade ties with Africa have also led to accusations of "neo-colonialism". Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao refuted this during his visit to Egypt, stating, "The hat of neo-colonialism simply doesn't fit China."

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