The Forgiveness of African Debt to China Should be Decided by the NPC (Excerpt)

• Author: Zhang Qianfan

According to reports, China has forgiven a total of 150 matured loans to 32 African nations this year. Last year, China forgave loans to over 46 nations, amounting to a total of over 40 billion yuan. This time, there was no report about which government agency actually decided to forgive these loans. Since this is an issue related to government expenditures, which would concern taxpayers’ money, decisions of this type should be discussed and passed by the National People’s Congress (or at least its standing committee). How much debt is forgiven should at least be reflected in the government budget and publicized after the NPC’s discussion and approval.

Without the substantial participation of...