BEIJING, Jan. 8 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday that Foreign Minister Wang Yi's current African visit is not aimed at hurting any third country.

Spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks at a regular press briefing when she was asked to comment on recent criticism from an expert that Wang's African visit is targeted at Japan.

She said she has no idea which expert holds this view and she believes that this expert has no knowledge about the history and the current development of China-Africa relations.

China and Africa have enjoyed sound relations for several decades, Hua said, emphasizing that China developing ties with Africa is not aimed at hurting any third country.

She noted that China has always provided assistance to Africa over the years and made positive efforts for the peace and development of African countries.

China's efforts have been welcomed and appreciated by African countries and China will continue to develop relations with the countries as it always does, she added.

The first destination of every Chinese Foreign Minister's outbound visits each year is Africa, which is a good tradition of Chinese diplomacy and demonstrates China's emphasis on old friends, Hua said, pointing out that China is open-minded toward the international community's cooperation with Africa and hopes and welcomes all sides to make joint efforts for promoting security and development on the continent.

Hua noted that it is a miscalculation for any country to play the Africa card against China and that this action will not succeed.

She said China hopes all sides will develop cooperation with Africa to benefit the interests of African countries.