On June 14, Ambassador Zhao Weiping hosted a press conference at the Chinese Embassy, which was attended by 19 journalists from 9 major Namibian media organizations, namely, Nampa, Namibian Broadcasting Corporation, Namibia Today, the Namibian, the New Era, the Namibian Sun, the Confidente, Eagle FM, and Namibia Daily News.
Ambassador Zhao said in his opening remarks, both China and African countries are developing countries. We are friends whether in the past, at present or in future. Never believe those allegations that China is pursuing so-called neo-colonialism in Africa, which is not true at all. China-Africa relationship is completely equal and mutually beneficial. China never imposes its own will or interests upon African countries. Never believe those false allegations either that China is threatening the so-called rules-based international order. We did have been advocating for building a community with a shared future for mankind. We did have been working very hard in pushing forward the Belt and Road Initiative. We did have proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). What we have said and done by these concepts or actions may not have pleased some countries, but there is nothing we should blame ourselves. Our purpose for these initiatives or actions is simply to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and common prosperity. I believe more and more of our African friends will understand this. What we have been doing has already benefited and will continue to benefit the developing countries, including African countries.
In answering questions raised by the journalists, Ambassador Zhao refuted the false media report on the discussion of China-Namibia mutual visa exemption agreement. Ambassador Zhao pointed out, the discussion between both sides is completely normal, and there’s no so-called secret deal at all. The remarks by some Namibian politicians on this issue are very irresponsible and inappropriate, either out of political purposes or simply intending to mislead the public. If China-Namibia mutual visa exemption agreement could be signed eventually, it would not only encourage Chinese citizens to choose Namibia as their tourist destination, but also provide utmost convenience for Namibians to visit China, which is certainly mutually beneficial.
Ambassador Zhao also used facts to demonstrate the important contribution made by Chinese companies and citizens in Namibia to Namibia’s socioeconomic development. Ambassador Zhao pointed out, there are currently around 1700 Chinese citizens in Namibia and their investment and business operation in Namibia have created more than 10,000 jobs for the local people. Therefore, it’s a totally false allegation that Chinese citizens have taken away the jobs of local people. There may exist some business acts of not complying with the local laws and regulations, but some individual cases should not be used in anyway to smear the image of Chinese citizens in Namibia or even go in so far as to slander them by fabricating lies.
Most of the Namibian media present at the conference have published relevant reports and comments on this event.
