Book of Chinese President Xi Jinping's remarks on governance published in 9 languages. (Xinhua photo)
PRETORIA, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's book on the governance of China presents a real China to Africa and also provides political ideas which can inspire Africans in governance,South African experts has said.
A seminar was hosted Thursday by the Africa Institute of South Africa and the South African Human Science Research Council (HSRC) in Pretoria to review the book, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China.
Prof. Garth Shelton at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg said the book will correct some misconceptions about China peddled by the Western media.
"This book presents the real picture of China, its aspirations, dreams and ambitions, serving as an essential bridge to understand China now and in the future," Shelton said.
The photo taken on April 27, 2015 shows dealers consulting about the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" during a trading fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. (Xinhua/Liang Xu)
Shelton said the "Chinese dream" mentioned in the book is similar to the African aspirations for peace, stability and development.
Africa needs inspirations from a country who maintains high economy growth and stability for decades. "This is of particular interest to Africa, given Africa's own challenge in promoting peace and development," he said.
"For anyone interested in China's economic development, political evolution and international relations, this book is an essential reading," he added.
Yazini Funeka April, a researcher at the HSRC, said the book is relevant to Africa and the world as it shows the leader's seeking of the governance most suitable for the country.
It inspires South Africa and the African continent to come up with the way that fits them, she said.
The photo taken on Sept. 17, 2015 shows experts from South Africa and China at a seminar reviewing the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" in Pretoria, South Africa. (Xinhua photo)
Zhao Kejin, an associate professor of international studies at Tsinghua University, China's top university, said the book would remove a lot of misconceptions about China and make the world understand China better.
"There have been wrong arguments about China from Western countries which have been failing to grasp the real truth. This book will make people understand what China is doing how it's governed and where it will go in the future," Zhao said.
Jesse Duarte, deputy Secretary General of South Africa's ruling African National Congress party, said the book could provide many lessons for the party, such as how China managed to lift so many people out of poverty.
"We get inspiration from the Chinese to take charge of our destiny and also take charge of our National Development Plan," she said.
Official figures show that sales of the book, which hit global markets in 9 languages in September 2014, have exceeded 5.2 million around the world by August 2015.
