By David Atangana
President Paul Biya has praised the longstanding relationship between China and Cameroon, as China pledged $50 billion in support to Africa during the China-Africa Summit in Beijing.
Speaking during a dinner on Thursday evening, held on the sidelines of the summit, Biya emphasized the importance of non-interference in the internal affairs of states—a value shared by both countries over more than 50 years of diplomatic relations.
“Diplomatic relations between China and Cameroon, which date back fifty years, have today reached a strategic level and are part of a fruitful, dynamic, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial cooperation,” Biya, 91, said.
“It could not be otherwise, given the excellent convergence of views and aspirations that we share.”
Since 2016, Cameroon has been grappling with an armed separatist conflict in its English-speaking regions.
Despite a crackdown on dissent and rising restrictions on the media, China has remained silent on the political crisis, continuing business relations with the government.
Biya credited this policy of non-interference for sustaining strong bilateral ties.
“Our two countries attach great importance to principles such as the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, and the promotion of peace and inclusive development,” he said.
The Cameroonian president expressed his desire for stronger ties between China, Cameroon, and Africa, which he believes can set an example for the world.
“I hope that relations between Africa and China, in general, and between Cameroon and China, in particular, will further inspire the world through concrete results, equitably beneficial for all parties,” Biya added.
During the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $50 billion to support Africa’s development over the next three years.
It remains unclear how much Cameroon will benefit from this commitment.
Cameroon is one of the African nations with significant debt to China.
Critics have described China’s policy in Africa as “debt trap diplomacy.”
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