Within the general framework of a tighter cooperation with African countries and in the pursuit of new supply markets for China’s pressing energy demands, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met with Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang in Malabo on January 2.

 

Obiang welcomed this visit indicating that China is a major partner and best friend for his country. He strongly opposed media reports accusing China of plundering resources and seeking its own interests in Africa.  

 

China had already proposed a series of measures on expanding aid to Africa such as tariff exemption and debt write-off at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which could benefit Equatorial Guinea’s fast developing economy. Furthermore, China would encourage and support Chinese enterprises to invest in the country.