China dismisses Congo arms link

CHINESE Vice-President Hu Jintao ended his three-day official visit to Uganda yesterday with a call on African countries to resolve conflicts through dialogue, reports Felix Osike. He denied allegations that his country has been selling arms to Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. "China follows an independent foreign policy. China has never participated in the conflicts in Africa. It has all along been the position of China that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue," Jintao told a news conference at Entebbe International Airport before departure. There have been reports that most of the arms captured from government forces in the DRC originate from China. There have also been reports that at least 2,000 Chinese prisoners are working in a Sudanese oil pipeline, raising suspicion that China has been in arms deals with the two countries. But Jintao said, "China will forever be a positive force in promoting stability in Africa." He was seen off by ministers Alfred Mubanda, Edward Rugumayo, Syda Bumba, Betty Okwir and Uganda's ambassador to Beijing, Philip Idro. He said the US$50m debt cancellation was meant to boost Uganda's economy. "It was a decision by the Chinese government on independent basis and does not entail any condition." The Chinese government has agreed to fund the construction of a multi-storeyed building in Kampala for the Vice-President and Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices. Jintao said China had given 30m Chinese Yuans (US $3.6m) for various development projects. Vice-President Dr. Wandira Kazibwe assured the Chinese government that the money would be spent on projects that will benefit Ugandans. Jintao and his delegation toured Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, built by a Chinese construction company. He addressed Chinese in Uganda at their embassy at Nakasero. He visited the source of River Nile in Jinja on Thursday and met Chinese doctors at Triangle Annex Hotel. Ends.