With the wave of developing countries’ group-rising, Africa, with the largest number of developing countries, has enjoyed improved peace and security, sparkling economic growth, enhanced living standard for its people and upgraded international status in recent years.

At the same time, we should also recognize that the security situation in Africa is still very vulnerable. A number of countries and regions in the continent still face serious threats, such as escalating violence and armed conflicts, internal political turmoil, the spread of terrorism and extremism, interweaving of traditional and non-traditional security challenges and as consequence, alarming humanitarian crisis.

There is no boundary for security issues. Not a single country or continent can stay immune in the face of security problems. The achievement of long-term peace and security in Africa requires joint efforts of Africa and the international community, while abiding by the following principles:

First, adopting holistic and comprehensive approaches. The security issues should never be viewed as isolated. Peace and development complement each other. Development is the foundation of peace, while peace is the precondition for development. Under-development is the root cause of conflicts in Africa. The ultimate solution to sustainable security for Africa lies in the promotion of social and economic development of the continent.

Second, upholding the ownership of Africa. Peace and security issues in Africa are triggered by various factors, and their causes are very complicated. It is the African people who understand the crux of the issues best. The international community should fully respect Africa’s dignity and independence, support Africa to play the leading role and promote inclusive dialogue among relevant parties for seeking solutions acceptable by all parties concerned.

Third, sticking to the principle of objectiveness and fairness. In assisting Africa to achieve peace and stability, the international community should adhere to the basic norms of international relations, such as the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and Non-Interference in other countries' internal affairs. Double standards and taking sides should be avoided. Still less should any country pursue its own interest and political agenda by taking advantage of peace and security issues in Africa.

Fourth, joining efforts and working in synergy. The United Nations, the African Union and sub-regional organizations in Africa and relevant countries should enhance their coordination and cooperation and send out unanimous political signal on African issues. In the mean time, the international community should focus their work on the strengthening of capacity-building for Africa, and on providing necessary resources to the latter.

Being a close friend, reliable partner and good brother of Africa, China is very much concerned about the cause of peace and development in Africa. We firmly support the endeavor of the African countries and regional organizations in seeking peace and security. We support the efforts of Africans to resolve African issues in African ways. And we firmly support African countries’ legitimate appeals in the UN Security Council and other international arena.

We have actively conducted peace and security, anti-terrorism dialogues and cooperation with AU and African countries within the framework of FOCAC. We support peace-keeping operations led by Africa, provided capacity building assistance in this regard and launched the “Initiative on China-Africa Cooperative Partnership for Peace and Security”.

We have actively participated in the mediation of the hot-spot issues in Africa. H.E. Amb Zhong Jianhua, the Special Representative of the Chinese Government on African Affairs has done a lot of shuttle diplomacy in this regard, promoting peace and encouraging dialogues in various countries. He has played a positive and important role through constructive engagement in African peace and security issues.

We have actively participated in UN peace keeping operations in Africa. China is the largest contributor of peacekeepers among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. We have been actively participating in the naval escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters, thus paid our contribution to the combat against piracy.

Since its establishment, the new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa is gaining its momentum. The friendly cooperation between China and Africa in various fields including peace and security, is endowed with promising future.

During his visit to Africa last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a firm commitment to developing relations with Africa with sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith. He also reiterated that China will continue to firmly support Africa in its endeavor to independently resolve regional issues. During his visit to Africa in May this year, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang outlined the “461” framework to upgrade China-Africa cooperation. To enhance peace and security is among the six priority areas of cooperation.

China will continue to promote peace and security cooperation with Africa, to listen to the voice of Africa, to understand the expectation of Africa and to engage in Africa peace and security issues in a more active and constructive way, thus to pay our due contribution to the construction of a safer and better Africa.

By H.E. Ambassador Liu Xianfa
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya.