Criticism of China Over Africa Is ‘Absurd,’ Says Ambassador

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China has become Africa’s largest trade partner, and with the Asian giant’s bigger footprint on the continent has come more criticism.

China’s focus on Africa’s resources—mining makes up almost a third of its African investments—has prompted some commentators and African officials to refer to the country as a new imperialist, or neocolonialist.

Beijing vehemently rejects such labels. In the past couple of years, it has sought ways to soften China’s image in Africa. It has aggressively funded the expansion of Africa’s state media to better tell the Chinese side of the story. Several top Chinese leaders have also visited Africa to bolster ties, the most recent being Premier Li Keqiang who toured four countries May 4 to 11.

Beijing has also has touted what China and African countries have in common, including aspirations of material progress and national rejuvenation, or what some call the Chinese and African dreams.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Tian Xuejun, China’s ambassador to South Africa, discussed these shared dreams and why a bigger Chinese media presence in Africa will help “democratize” coverage of the continent.