A book, which dwells on Africa-China relations and takes Ethiopia as a case study, was launched in Addis Ababa today.
The book titled “Africa-China Relations” is written by Melaku Mulualem, an Ethiopian who works at the Institute of Foreign Affairs.
His book explores the historical development of China’s relationship with Ethiopia from the early days of the People’s Republic of China to the present day. It also examines the impact of China’s economic and political engagement on Ethiopia. Speaking at the launching ceremony, House of People’s Representatives Foreign Relations and Peace Affairs Standing Committee and Ethio-China Parliamentary Friendship Group Chairperson Dima Negewo said the book is a welcome addition to the literature that already existed.
Ethiopia is one of the first countries to have started relationship with China, he noted, recalling ed that China was denied to sit on its own chair at the UN Security Council, instead the Chinese seat was occupied by Taiwan because of ideological power reasons.
However, as soon as a large number of African states gained independence, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to restore China’s seat, he noted.
Minister Counselor of China Shen Qinmin said the book helps to show the historical developments of China’s relations with Africa and specifically with Ethiopia.
According to him, the book serves as a good example to talk about China’s relationship with Africa from an Ethiopian perspective.
For developing countries, Qinmin stated that they need intellectual communication and support, and need more experts and scholars to speak louder.
Director-General of the Middle East, Asia and Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gebeyehu Ganga said on his part that the two nations have maintained cordial relations for over 50 years, and the analysis in the book enriches understanding of this longstanding bond.
The book also documents the evolution of China-Ethiopia relations using original historical research and policy examinations.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency