China to play bigger role in restoring peace in Africa: envoy

NAIROBI - China will play a bigger role in restoring peace and stability in conflict zones across Africa, the Special Representative of the Chinese government on African Affairs, Ambassador Zhong Jianhua said on Thursday.

Zhong, who delivered a keynote address at a seminar on China- Africa peace and security cooperation in Nairobi, said China will contribute resources and technical expertise to strengthen the security architecture in Africa.

"China has stepped in to promote peace in Africa as a responsible member of the international community. We have adopted a pragmatic approach to solve conflicts in the continent," he told policymakers and scholars at the seminar, adding that eruption of new conflicts, terrorism and transnational crimes will harm both the African and Chinese interests.

"Regional conflicts are complex in nature hence the need for a fresh perspective to find durable solutions. China supports traditional methods of solving crises in Africa," Zhong said, stressing that China will rely on local opinion shapers to advance civil harmony and development in Africa.

He said a rising Africa has reshaped the multilateral system, hence the need for rich countries to consider the continent an asset and not a liability.

Zhong noted that despite occasional tremors, Africa remains the epicenter of economic renaissance, innovations and new opportunities.

"Africa is the continent of hope where investments are surging despite sporadic conflicts. Stability in the continent will benefit the new geopolitical arrangement," he said, adding that China will partner with pan-African institutions to promote conflict resolution in South Sudan, Central African Republic, Mali and Somalia.

Zhong also told Xinhua that China will partner with regional bodies to ensure Somalia has a functional government.

"We have opened an embassy in Somalia capital and our presence there is a confirmation the country is our friend," said Zhong.

He also revealed that China has provided logistical support to strengthen the Somalia national army.

The one-day event, hosted by Chinese Embassy in Kenya and Inter Region Economic Network, a think tank in Africa, attracted over 30 scholars and officials from China, African countries and representatives from UN and AU to share their views on China- Africa peace and security cooperation.