Spokeswoman: China's aid to Africa never offers blank promises

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said on Thursday that China's aid to Africa sticks to a principle of non-interference in countries' internal affairs, "no political strings attached, and never offering blank promises".

Hua made the remarks at a daily news conference in a response to some western media claiming that Africa has benefited little from China's aid and China's limited aid to Africa offers no help in improving democracy or human rights.

According to figures provided by Hua, China has helped Africa build 5,675 kilometers of railway, 4,507 kilometers of highway, 18 bridges, 12 ports, 14 airports and terminals, 64 power stations, 76 sports facilities, 68 hospitals, over 200 schools and 23 agricultural demonstration centers.

China has offered 55,000 government scholarships to Africa since 2000, she added.

China's assistance to Africa has been warmly welcomed, she said, urging the international community to view China-Africa cooperation and China's aid to Africa in an objective, just and rational manner.

Xinhua contributed to this story.