Q: South African President Zuma said on December 7 that China will help the African Union to set up rapid response forces to reinforce Africa's capabilities to deal with crisis. Please confirm that.
A: China has been a constructive participant in Africa's peace and security affairs. In recent years, China has been supporting and assisting the African Union in its peace-keeping operations in Somalia, Mali and other countries. To set up crisis rapid response forces and standing army is another productive attempt by the African people to resolve African issues in the African way, to which China gives its firm backing. Last October, China and the African Union held the 1st round of Grouping Dialogue on Peace and Security under the framework of strategic dialogue, and discussed peace and security cooperation, including helping Africa build rapid response forces. China will, as always, stand by the African Union, African sub-regional organizations and African countries as they strive to safeguard peace and security.