China says its decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to exports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties is a voluntary initiative aimed at promoting shared development and deepening China-Africa cooperation.

The remarks were made in Beijing by the Vice President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Sun Xueqing, during a meeting with a delegation of African mainstream media representatives visiting China to study the country's achievements in poverty alleviation and its modernisation model on Monday. Sun said China's approach is founded on the principle that nations achieve sustainable development by helping one another grow, leading to mutual prosperity. 

Channel Africa's reporter Micheal Mbewe filed this report.