"China and the United States are important cooperative partners, and have their respective characteristics and advantages on cooperation with Africa," said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Liu Weimin at a regular press briefing in reaction to the new Africa strategy released by U.S. President Barack Obama.

The strategy, released on Thursday, seeks to promote trade, enhance peace, security and good governance and bolster democratic institutions.

Liu added that any cooperation should respect the will of the African side, be conducive to Africa's development and be conducted on the basis of equality and reciprocity.

The spokesman noted that Africa's peace and stability, concerning world's prosperity and stability, should be supported and assisted by the international community. Africa faces new opportunities for peace, stability and development, as well as some difficulties and challenges.

He also called on developed countries including the United States to make positive contributions to Africa's peace, stability and development,

"They should respect the will of Africa, take Africa's concerns into consideration, and actively fulfill their commitment of assistance," Liu said.