China a global leader in tackling graft

Nations that fail to meet basic anti-corruption goals must face the consequences of their actions

China has been in the limelight from the time it was discovered that its economy had risen exponentially to the point of defeating the United States. This caused alarm, and the first instinct for many was to discredit China and its newfound fame as an economic giant.

The nation was, however, prepared for criticism and international pressure to prove its worth as an emerging power, to organize its functioning system, to deliberate and formulate its theories for success, without the need of approval from world powers.

Africa was its first strategic instinct, and its road map to success and shifting global perceptions on certain relations regarding donor funding. China strives to ensure that Africa rises with it and achieves as much as it does.

China has its own ambitions and interests, just as any nation state, its own foreign policy, and its own weaknesses. Yet, uniquely, it listens, observes and learns in order to rise above the empirical notions that have always been generated by world powers.

A test of China's leadership in the international community began with its call for change in China-Africa relations. Another test was its noninterference policy in Africa, especially in relation to security, in which case it listened, internalized and formulated a course of actions based on its own defined notion and understanding of the continent.

The third test, however, came at the G20 Summit. This is the largest summit in the world, but only a select few get to participate. This year, the tide changed, especially for Africa. Delegations from African nations were not only invited to attend, but also participate. This was a rare opportunity for Africa that promised to have a tremendous impact on the continent's growth toward becoming an economic powerhouse.

China's focus for the forum was long-term economic growth. It could be argued that its decision to allow Africa to participate was hugely influenced by its commitment to give the continent a chance to realize economic growth.

The summit was also a platform for China to prove to the international community that its role as an emerging power is not only to drive its own economic growth to impeccable heights, but also to deal with problems emanating from slowing economic growth and overcapacity.

China's desire to attain an inclusive world economy that does not sideline any state or continent, demonstrates the country's commitment to attaining an innovative, invigorating, interconnected and inclusive world, to which it believes technology is the answer.

The nation's desire to open up its society to the rest of the world, and expose its strategies and techniques for scrutiny and appreciation, proved that it is on the verge of catching up with the world. It has dedicated its resources, time and personnel to research and development, aiming to attain long-term growth.

China, also uniquely, made the summit not only have a long-term outlook on economic governance, but also on a zero-tolerance approach to corruption and transnational terrorism.

African states must also show their commitment in achieving a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

It has been argued that in order to curb insecurity, intolerance, transnational terrorism or terrorism in any form, and attain stability and sustainable growth, corruption has to completely be eroded from society.

Just as the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals have target dates (2020 and 2030, for example), so too should efforts to eradicate corruption, and there should be consequences for countries that have not at least achieved certain milestones by a certain time, say 2040.

Wendy Ouma is a senior policy analyst and coordinator for the Center for Emerging Powers. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/30/2016 page13)