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Press Release

Cameron urges China to intercede in African politics

1 April 2008

David Cameron MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, addressed an audience at Chatham House this morning on the key challenges facing NATO in the run up to this week's summit in Bucharest.

Answering questions afterwards he also commented on the increasingly important role that China now has in the political stability and humanitarian standing of African countries such as Zimbabwe and Sudan.

David Cameron on Zimbabwe:

"I would like to see the British government today setting out what it will do if there is a free and fair election result in Zimbabwe and if Mugabe goes and if there is new leadership in that country we should be on standby with a huge package of aid, and help, and assistance, and advice and reconstruction. To say to that country if you take that bold step we're there to help you every step of the way and give you what you need.'

William Hague, Shadow Foreign Secretary, on the UK's responsibility toward Zimbabwe:

'Certainly we want the incentives to be there and for people in Zimbabwe to know that the world stands ready to help them in a far better future. And I think that does require the government just to set out clearly some of the points involved, some of the aid programmes that could swing into action.

'And of course we need, crucially in this, the help of African countries and the African Union. That's been one of the frustrating things in recent times dealing with Zimbabwean affairs. The pressure has to be kept on to try to put that right.'

David Cameron on China's role:

'Its not just altruism that should lead them to act responsibly in Africa. It is actually in their own self interest as China becomes an even greater economic power it should think that if it deals rationally and morally with other countries then that will give it strength rather than start to contribute to weakness.

'And it was interesting that the other day that an oil installation belonging to China was attacked in Sudan by the rebels which was a sort of sign of how if you don't act morally and responsibly in the world then it has consequences.'

Notes to editors:

Click here to listen to a recording of the event or read a transcript of David Cameron's speech: Crossroads for NATO - How the Atlantic Alliance Should Work in the 21st Century

ENDS