FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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China Is Lighting Up the World

Dec. 4, 2018 (EIRNS)—China’s Belt and Road Initiative is both literally and figuratively lighting up the places where it is building new infrastructure, especially in Africa, according to a report from AidData research laboratory at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, cited by a reporter at the Dec. 4 press briefing of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. When asked about the report, which has not yet been reviewed by EIR, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that the Chinese government usually does not comment on the viewpoints and reports by media, think tanks, experts and scholars. However, it does welcome “objective and unbiased reports and comments made by media and research institutions on cooperation between China and Africa, as well as between China and developing countries,” Geng began.

“I want to point out that more and more data and evidence have shown that such mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the developing countries including those in Africa has provided a strong boost and made significant contributions to local economic and social development. The China-Africa cooperation outcomes have won the unanimous approval of African governments and acclaim from African people,”

Geng said.

“China and African countries will work together to advance the implementation of the eight major initiatives announced by President Xi Jinping at the FOCAC [Forum for China Africa Cooperation, Sept. 3-4] Beijing summit. China also stands ready to make more efforts with other cooperation partners worldwide to advance Africa’s cause for peace and development.”