Nigerian central bank's comments "far from facts": spokeswoman

BEIJING -- A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Thursday voiced the country's dissatisfaction with recent comments by the governor of Nigeria's central bank suggesting Africa should be wary of its relations with China.

"We've noticed the Nigerian central bank governor's comments, which are far from facts. China has expressed concern and dissatisfaction," Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Nigerian central bank governor Lamido Sanusi wrote in the Financial Times that "Africa must shake off its romantic view of China and accept Beijing is a competitor as much as a partner and capable of the same exploitative practices as the old colonial powers."

Hua said that China-Africa cooperation has played a positive role in promoting African economic development and been widely hailed by Africa and the international community in recent years.

Africa had a long colonial history and should know the nature of colonialism, she said, noting that Sanusi's comments comparing China to old colonial powers are illogical.

China will develop ties with Africa under the principles of sincerity,friendliness, equality and mutual benefit and contribute to African peace,stability and development, according to Hua.