China welcomes Japan's assistance to Africa

BEIJING - China has been pleased to see Japan introduce cooperative initiatives with Africa and hopes the measures will aid Africa's peace and development, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said at a Monday press briefing.

Spokesman Hong Lei's comment came after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Saturday announced that Japan will provide a new aid package worth about 3.2 trillion yen ($32 billion) for Africa over the next five years.

Africa's development requires support and help from the international community, Hong said, adding that China hopes Japan will live up to its commitments.

Hong said China has provided assistance to Africa within its capacity.

"We will improve our cooperation with Africa in order to encourage the international community to pay more attention to the continent," Hong said.