The official media have launched a massive campaign to bolster Beijing's battle with Taiwan over diplomatic links to African countries.
The media had stressed the need for better economic ties, Xinhua (the New China News Agency) reported yesterday.
'China and African countries, which enjoy a traditional friendship and solid foundations for trade, have seen rapid development in co-operation in the past few years.' Since the Cold War's end, most African countries had enjoyed periods of political stability and were making economic development a top priority, the agency said.
Last year, the African economies grew faster than in many years with an average economic growth rate of three per cent.
The agency quoted a Beijing trade official as saying it was a good time for China and African countries to strengthen economic links.
He said African nations had adjusted their financial policies, adopted free trade mechanisms and improved investment environments.