Wednesday, June 21, 2006

China's Prime Minister seeks closer African ties

Premier Wen Jiabao landed in South Africa Wednesday in a campaign to strengthen ties within the African continent.

Wen will visit seven nations during his African tour in one of China's most energetic efforts to spur economic cooperation between the two regions.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao , center right, embraces a local chief during his visit in Accra, capital of Ghana, Monday, June 19, 2006.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao , center right, embraces a local chief during his visit in Accra, capital of Ghana, Monday, June 19, 2006 during his seven-nation African tour to boost economic and political bonds. AP/Xinhua, Li Xueren photo via Yahoo News.

Key areas of cooperation include expanding nuclear power generation and pushing the developing world's agenda in international forums.

China is also making cash contributions to the African Union and for humanitarian aid relief to show its goodwill.

For its part, China needs to keep Africa's rich resources flowing in to fuel its burgeoning economy.