Additionally, according to the latest report from the Stockholm Institute, revenues from US weapons exports amounted to $7.5 billion in 2007. Russia, with earnings of $4.56 billion, ranked second, followed by France, the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. China ranked eighth with revenues of only $360 million.

Moreover, the Sudanese government issues an end-user statement on all small-arms imports from China, pledging that these weapons will not be used for any irregular purpose. China acts responsibly in these matters.

To help resolve the Darfur crisis, five elements are needed. Firstly, Darfur is a part of Sudan, so the resolution requires the efforts of the Sudanese government. Secondly, insurgent parties need to commit to negotiations for a political solution of the problem. Thirdly, countries and regions bordering Sudan need to demonstrate sincerity in working with Sudan to solve territorial disputes. Fourthly, international organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations need to reinforce cross-party consultations. Fifthly, and finally, all other countries around the world, especially the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, need to cooperate on the Darfur issue.

I think that Arab and African countries can understand the Darfur crisis more clearly than Western countries, because countries who themselves have encountered similar problems have a better chance of understanding each other.

My wish is that through the platform of the China-Arab Media Forum, the media of China and the Arab countries will make their voices and the voices of all the developing countries heard and that they will strengthen and spread these voices. Only by doing this can the interests of developing countries and African and Arab countries be better served.

The author is the Special Representative on African Affairs of the Chinese Government. This article is based on his speech at the first China-Arab Media Forum last month

(China Daily May 6, 2008)