NAIROBI, Jun. 4 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign policy centered on a win-win partnership and respect for other country's political structures will be key to hasten inclusive growth, peace and stability in Africa, Kenyan scholars said Saturday.
The scholars who spoke at the 20th Wanshou Forum held in Nairobi said China will continue to be an instrumental player in Africa's quest to modernize its infrastructure, tackle poverty and expedite industrialization.
Peter Kagwanja, CEO of Nairobi-based think tank, Africa Policy Institute, said that African countries are looking up to China as a strategic partner to achieve their vision of a continent that is prosperous, connected and peaceful.
"The Chinese dream has found a convergence with the African agenda 2063 that envisions a peaceful and prosperous continent," Kagwanja remarked.
Over 50 Kenyan and Chinese scholars attended the Wanshou Forum whose theme was opening a new era of China-Africa cooperation in the context of South-South cooperation.
The forum discussed diverse topics like building a China-Africa community of shared future through cooperation in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.
"We need a civilizational dialogue with China to define the next phase of cooperation with the Asian giant. We should also deepen win-win partnership and pick lessons from China's giant economic progress," said Kagwanja.
He noted that China-funded Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project has been transformative in terms of spurring Kenya's regional economic development.
China has enjoyed goodwill in Africa thanks to robust investments in critical sectors like transport, manufacturing and information technology that are reshaping the continent's growth.
Polycarp Ochillo, a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi, said China has filled the void created by western powers to become Africa's dependable partner in many spheres.
"What is emerging for now is that China will remain an indispensable partner as the African continent chart a new path that leads to sustainable growth," Ochillo said.
Sam Kamau, a senior lecturer at Aga Khan University in Nairobi, said that Sino-Africa ties will withstand stereotypical narratives from the West to be upgraded to new levels.
"Moving forward, we expect China to remain an integral part of the African dream. Our interests converge and we should leverage on China's strengths to promote our development," Kamau said.
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