Hu Jintao starts Africa tour
31 January 2007
President Hu Jintao yesterday arrived in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, marking the start of his 12-day, eight-nation, Africa tour, state media reported. The tour is meant to build China's economic ties with African nations, although other issues, like China's arms exports and its increasing influence in the region, are on the agenda. China wrote off debts owed by 33 African countries as part of its plan to accelerate the continent's development just before Hu embarked on his tour. Hu's visit to Sudan Friday, where the Darfur region is embroiled in conflict, has already stirred some controversy. Chinese officials said China would continue to cooperate with Sudan's government, although Hu's visit could encourage peace and stability in the region, AFP reported.