Tillerson's view on China role slammed

Good example

A good example of China-US cooperation in Africa is tackling the lack of vocational training on the continent, given the size of Africa's population, Sanders added.

Sanders called for more attention to be paid to African women, as they represent 50.2 percent of the continent's population.

"If we leave out women and girls on any sides, whether it is on the Chinese side, or the US side, or the African side, then we are not going to have economic development on the continent," she said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who was visiting Zimbabwe on Thursday, slammed Tillerson for his comments.

"It was not appropriate to criticize the relations of his hosts - when he was a guest there - with another country," Reuters quoted Lavrov as saying.

Asked about Tillerson's outspoken criticism of China's approach on the continent, Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Monica Juma was diplomatic.

"This country is engaging with partners from across the world, driven by our own interests and for our own value," said Juma.

On Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: "China welcomes the diversification of Africa's international partnerships and sincerely hopes that various parties of the international community can increase inputs in Africa."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that even as it has rapidly developed, China remains a good brother and partner of Africa.

"Africa's concerns are China's concerns. Africa's priorities are China's priorities," Wang said, adding that African countries are welcome to board China's "fast train of development."

Ke Yian contributed to this story.