China-Africa Relations: Chinese Journalists, Stakeholders Seek Better Understanding Of Issues

A weekend gathering in Beijing sought to reduce Chinese people’s stereotypes about Africa.

The International Sino-Africa Watch, ISAW, on August 5, 2017 organized a media salon in the Chinese capital, Beijing, to enhance China-Africa cooperation and relations by reducing Chinese stereotypes about Africa. About 30 people took part, including 12 Chinese and three African journalists. Also participating were academics, investors, company managers as well as consultants on China-Africa affairs.

There were three presentations, followed by question and answer sessions. First, was the projection of a 25-minute documentary film produced by a Chinese researcher, Solange Guo Chatelard, in 2012 for Al Jazeera. Entitled, “King Cobra and the Dragon,” the documentary discusses the often tense relations between Zambians and Chinese. Solange explained that though not a journalist, her aim was to tell true stories.

Next was Lingxiu Zhang, a banker who served in Africa with particular interest in Chinese investments on the continent. He spoke of investment opportunities in agriculture, infrastructure, industries, hospitality industry, healthcare and Internet development. The last lecture was by Fei Yu, a veteran journalist and former Africa correspondent for China Central Television, CCTV News (now China Global Television Network, CGTN). Fei wondered what will become of Chinese investments in Africa when they finish constructing dams, roads, bridges and other major facilities. He said it was time Chinese business people on the continent started doing like Indians who run sustainable family businesses, which are handed down the generations.

Hangwei Li, journalist, researcher, shared her thoughts on the salon: “I think it was great because we brought t...