"For over 110 years after the Opium War in 1840, China was the victim of colonial aggression. The Chinese nation knows too well the sufferings caused by colonial rule and the need to fight colonialism. This is a main reason why we have all along supported the national liberation and resurgence of Africa," Wen said.

    He said in developing relations with Africa, the Chinese government adheres to the principle of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

    "China supports the development of democracy and rule of law in Africa. But we never impose our own will on others. We believe that people in every region and country have the right and ability to properly handle their own affairs. The international community should respect the choice independently made by African countries in terms of model of development."

    Wen said China's oil cooperation with several African countries is "open, transparent, natural and mutually beneficial". "China's oil import from Africa in last year was less than one third of the number of certain countries."

    Chinese scholars said that some western countries have misunderstood China's policy on Africa. "They believed that China became interested in Africa only because of oil. But the fact is that Africa has always been a focus of China's foreign policy over the past half century," said Xu Weizhong, a scholar with China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.

    China has provided aid to 53 African countries with no political conditions and has helped African nations build nearly 800 complete sets of projects in the past five decades, even during the period when China itself was in economic difficulties, according to China's Ministry of Commerce.

    "The fact is China has broad cooperation with African countries, including both energy-rich countries and resource-lacking ones. Western media's accusation against China was not objective," Xu said.

    The year 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of the beginning of China-Africa diplomatic ties. At the beginning of this year, China issued its first policy paper on Africa. In April, Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Morocco, Nigeria and Kenya. In June, Premier Wen Jiabao visited seven African countries including Egypt, Ghana, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

    In November, Chinese and African leaders are expected to meet in Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The forum is seen as an effective mechanism for group dialogue between China and African countries as well as an important platform for enhancing cooperation.

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