China has important investments in Sudan, where the government is an active player in perpetuating a civil conflict in Darfur, yet it chooses not to use its influence to convince the Sudanese government to find a resolution to the war or to accept the deployment of United Nations troops that might be able to put an end to the slaughter of civilians. Does the South African government think that China should use its influence to bring about a change in the government's attitude? If not, why not?

The [People's Republic of China] PRC president has indicated that their foreign policy is based on non-interference in the affairs of other countries. However, they are committed to assist African countries in an effort to achieve good governance, democracy and human rights. We will cooperate with China to ensure that the African Union Peace and Security Council resolution on a hybrid force for Darfur is implemented as soon as possible.

China will support a deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in Darfur, subject to the agreement of the Sudanese government. China was report-edly approached by the US to engage the Sudanese government on the deployment of peacekeeping forces in Darfur. South Africa and China have to exchange views on the situation in Darfur as well as Somalia.

Does the South African government support China's policy of providing "bail-out" loans to African governments that have poor human rights and governance records? Is South Africa comfort-able with China's economic support for the Mugabe government?

China, like all other governments, has economic relations with other countries, irrespective of their internal political situation. We have always argued against conditional loans. Zimbabwe has relations with many countries and China's relations are not unique.

Does South Africa feel it is competing with China for influence in Africa?

No, China's increased engagement with the continent presents an opportunity for a valuable contribution to Africa's growth and development. A positive, pro-active approach on the relationship between China and Africa needs to be developed and implemented towards meaningful deliverables that would serve primarily the interests of Africa.

Nepad was designed to launch an African economic renaissance. How does China's growing economic presence on the continent fit into such plans, especially in light of criticism of poor labour practices?

It was agreed that Nepad was the overall framework through which China-Africa relations would be developed. The two sides agreed to create favourable conditions to grow China-Africa trade in a more balanced manner. The Chinese leadership have indicated that while depending on their national interests, they would ensure that a colonial type of relationship does not develop between China and Africa. By 2009 China will double the size of its assistance to Africa

China's policy towards Africa has, over the decades, rested heavily on non-interference, mutual respect and mutual benefit. This was expressed in moral and political support for decolonisation and the liberation movements and in building capital projects in many African countries. Do you think this might have changed with the benefit weighing more in China's favour?

There have been notions that only China benefits from improved relations with the African continent. Such notions need to be re-addressed. Boosting China-Africa friendship and all round cooperation is a long-term and strategic decision China made, and it is a natural choice for the two sides in pursuit of common development and prosperity. Strengthened consultation and closer cooperation between the two sides will uphold the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and advance democracy in international relations.