On January 12, 2006, the Chinese government officially issued China's African Policy. It is the first time for the Chinese government to issue its African policy. The document reviews the process of China-Africa friendship, expounds China's views on the status and role of Africa and comprehensively plans bilateral friendly cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and social areas in the new period. The document proposes that the Chinese government commits to establishing and developing a new type of China-Africa strategic partnership featuring political equality and mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchange by starting from the fundamental interest of the Chinese and African people.

Assistant Foreign Minister Lv Guozeng indicated that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic ties between China and African countries. Over the past 50 years the international situation and the respective conditions of China and Africa have undergone profound changes, but the foundation for bilateral cooperation and the general situation of bilateral friendship remain unchanged. Both sides earnestly hope to further promote China-Africa friendly tradition, strengthen equality and mutually beneficial cooperation and pursue common development under the new historical conditions. Against this background the Chinese government decided to issue China's African Policy. This is its important diplomatic action and shows that the Chinese government and leaders have always attached great importance to Africa and relations with Africa and always put developing bilateral traditional friendly cooperative relations at an important position in China's diplomacy.

Lv indicated belief that the issuing of China's African Policy will further consolidate friendship, promote cooperation and push the international community to pay closer attention and attach greater importance to Africa, so as to contribute to harmonious and balanced world development.