China pledges to work with Africa in fighting militancy after Mali attack

China will strengthen cooperation with Africa in the battle against violent extremism after an attack by Islamist militants in Mali last week killed 19 people, including three Chinese citizens, the foreign minister said on Thursday.

President Xi Jinping called for relevant departments to boost security work outside China’s borders last week after gunmen attacked a luxury hotel in Mali’s capital, Bamako, on November 20. The three Chinese citizens killed were executives from the state-owned China Railway Construction Corporation.

“As China continues to promote pragmatic cooperation between China and Africa, we will strengthen bilateral cooperation in counterterrorism and the fight against extremism,” Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a speech to diplomats and reporters. He did not give any details.

READ MORE: China security chief says nation must step up ‘de-radicalisation’ efforts to fight terrorism

Wang reiterated China’s stance that its assistance to Africa would be without political conditions.

A senior mainland official said on Wednesday China was set to announce new aid to African nations when Xi visits Zimbabwe and South Africa next month.

Xi will also co-chair a two-day summit between China and African countries in Johannesburg the same month.

Beijing’s focus on developing trade and aid in Africa leaves it open to charges by the West of turning a blind eye to conflicts and rights abuses on the continent.